Rhode Island state officials have announced guidelines for all gyms and fitness centers, effective when "Phase 2" of the state's reopening begins on June 1st. New restrictions are illustrated above and listed below.
The new guidelines include:
- Reservations for classes and fitness sessions strongly recommended
- Facilities must collect contact information for all employees and attendees as they enter the building.
- Businesses must screen anyone entering facility. Screening may be verbal.
- Individuals must keep 6’ social distance from others at all times. Exercise equipment including cardio equipment must be at least 6’ apart. Greater distance (e.g. 14’) is preferred.
- If exercise machines cannot be moved to space them at least 6 feet apart, they should be blocked off (e.g., with every other piece of equipment blocked off and prevented from use with tape or another method) to ensure customers can maintain social distancing of 6 feet or more.
- It is required to have demarcations demonstrating 6’ social distancing between equipment and walkable pathways (preferably one-way paths) in workout areas.
- Common areas and locker rooms recommended to be closed.
- Communal showers prohibited.
- Whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms must remain closed.
- Outdoor activity encouraged.
- Doors and windows should be open whenever possible.
- Gyms and Fitness centers should consider implementing work-out “shifts” in which individuals sign up for designated times to exercise. It is encouraged to build cohorts that remain consistent (i.e. the same set of people work out together each time).
- There must be adequate time between classes or sessions (e.g. 30 minutes) to thoroughly clean the equipment and exercise space. Cleaning should be conducted in accordance with CDC guidance.
- No mutual contact on equipment is permitted without thorough sanitation in-between uses. Shared equipment (including machines, free weights, and other equipment) must be cleaned between individual clients’ uses. If such frequent and careful cleaning practices are not practical (that is, if sanitization between users cannot be ensured and monitored by staff), the gym or fitness center may need to close off weight training areas or otherwise prevent such equipment from use. Alternatively, individuals may provide and use their own personal equipment (e.g. dumbbells, yoga mat, jump rope etc.).
- It is required to provide hand-sanitizer and disposable wipes for individuals to clean their hands and to clean equipment before and after usage.
- High-touch surfaces & shared objects must be cleaned in accordance with the general business and organization guidance document available at: www.reopeningri.com
- It is encouraged for gyms and fitness centers to hold hours exclusively for vulnerable populations (or otherwise provide accommodations for these populations).
- Use of water-fountains and filling stations is not permitted.
Small-Group Fitness Classes (e.g. Yoga, Cross-Fit, & Spin Classes):
• It is encouraged to build cohorts that remain consistent (i.e. the same individuals attend the same class, so that attendees are not with different individuals each class)
• In a class setting, capacity is limited to 15 individuals (not including fitness staff) or up to 1 person per 150 square foot (whichever is less) so long as social distancing requirements can be enforce.
• Instructors must adhere to social distancing guidelines through the duration of the class.
For Unstructured, Open Gym Settings
• Capacity is limited to 1 person per every 150 square foot. • It is recommended that businesses designate staff members to provide sanitizing, cleaning, and supervision with a focus on high-touch objects during each shift.
Detailed information About all aspects of the state's reopening process can be found on the website: https://www.reopeningri.com/
Click the document below for a full list of restrictions.