Virgin Active is preparing to welcome back customers once the government gives them the green light to re-open, but not without a few changes to its social distancing and hygiene rules.

The health club chain has increased its measures to allow for safe social distancing and regular sanitisation so members can reap the emotional, physical, immunity and social benefits of an active lifestyle with peace of mind.

These new regulations include improved sanitisation protocols and a booking system.

On arrival, gym members will receive a digital temperature screening, a quick and effective method to confirm if someone has a fever and might be unwell. Members will be asked to scan their own card for access and Virgin Active team members will conduct a short questionnaire about any symptoms a member may have. The Virgin Active team will be on hand to assist in any way and are health screened throughout the day.

In the interest of member safety, Virgin Active is not banning members over the age of 60 years from using the gyms facilities, however, the decision to return back to training should be made in the best interest of their own health. Virgin Active is prepping for all scenarios and will continue to update its policies based on governmental guidelines.

Gym members will be required to wear their face mask while working out as will the Virgin Active team. If a member is unable to train at a club, Virgin Active has made a wide variety of workouts available online at virginactive.coach

Club V, internet stations, squash courts, saunas and steam rooms will all remain closed to ensure the health and safety of all members.

Virgin Active will also take the guessing game out of social distancing with the use of its Grid lines, marked in the change rooms, on the gym floor and in the studios. The company will also followed hospital-grade cleaning protocols for sanitisation and disinfection. Hand sanitiser will be made available at the entrance to all clubs and in various locations on the gym floor.

Certain pieces of equipment may be decommissioned to allow adequate distance between gym-goers. Disinfectant spray and paper towels will be provided on the gym floor and in the studios so members can wipe down their equipment before and after use. Gym towels won’t be allowed to be used as they can spread the virus between surfaces. Gym goers will be asked to use paper towels instead.

Group classes will also make a return with plenty of space and fewer people per class. All classes must be booked beforehand on the Virgin Active app or myvirginactive.co.za. The Virgin Active health and hygiene team will sanitise and disinfect the space and equipment before and after each class, with a focus on high-touch areas. Classes such as Grid training and Boxing have been reformatted so members do not need to share equipment or kit.

With all these measures in place, members only need to arrive dressed and ready, be mindful of hygiene by sanitising their hands, wiping down equipment and keeping on their mask while they work out.

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