The current global pandemic has generated a lot of conversation about the importance of cleanliness. Businesses all across the globe have been taking steps to keep their physical establishments clean, tidy and sanitary.
These businesses include fitness centers. Gyms are venues wherein health-conscious individuals sweat it out to stay active and healthy. These places, however, also harbor germs, bacteria and viruses, which can compromise a person’s health.
If you’re a manager or owner of a fitness center or gym studio, you’ll want to implement cleaning practices in your establishment. A clean and sanitary gym gives peace of mind knowing that clients will stay safe and healthy while they exercise. It also prevents the transmission of viruses and other diseases.
Here are a few cleaning measures you can implement in your fitness studio:
Come up with a Cleaning Schedule
Never assume that your fitness center staff will clean everything regularly. You have to be specific. Make a cleaning schedule of gym equipment, locker rooms, restrooms, gym floor, reception area and cubicles in the shower area. Delegate tasks and time slots for each employee and post the schedule in a conspicuous place. A schedule shows that your business establishment views cleaning as a priority.
Train Your Gym Staff on Cleaning and Sanitation Protocols
Your workers should know how to properly disinfect and clean the many areas of your fitness center, whether that’s using bulk antibacterial wipes or general antibacterial sprays. Show them how to get the work done with a live demonstration. You could also post these guidelines to help them do their job properly:
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water before cleaning. The Ministry of Health recommends that you wash your hands for 20 seconds.
- Put on protective cleaning equipment, such as face masks and disposable gloves, when cleaning the gym.
- Use a wiping motion when using disinfectant wipes. If you are spraying a cleaning product, allow that to sit on the surface for a few seconds before wiping.
- After you’ve finished cleaning, take out your gloves and wash your hands.
Create a Cleaning Log
Cleaning logs serve as proof that your fitness center goes through periodic cleaning. Each part of your establishment must have a visible log for noting down cleaning times, dates and tasks. Purchase a logbook and instruct workers to record each time they complete an assigned cleaning and sanitation task. Alternatively, you can ask them to record their finished tasks on an online log.
Regularly Disinfect Frequently Used Gym Equipment
A report from Business Insider found that certain pieces of fitness equipment may harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat. Stationary bikes and treadmills were the worst offenders, as they can have 7,752 times more germs compared to a toilet.
Gym machines, therefore, should undergo daily cleaning. Frequently used equipment, such as treadmills and bikes, must go through wiping and sanitation multiple times a day. You want every gym goer to be safe before, during and after using your machines.
Encourage Gym Users to Clean and Disinfect
If you have a lot of customers coming through your door, your staff may have a difficult time keeping the place clean and sanitary. Rather than hire more cleaning staff, consider encouraging users to wipe down after using a piece of gym equipment.
A few strategies you could implement in your establishment are the following:
- Include regular wipe downs in your fitness center membership policy.
- Strategically place fresh towels and disinfectant wipes near the exercise equipment. This way, gym goers will have zero excuses for not wiping down after a workout.
- Add policies for non-compliance. Indicate that your gym will ban users if they consistently fail to follow the established cleaning rules.
Use the Right Cleaning Products and Disinfectants
When sanitizing fitness equipment and surfaces, you need to strike the right balance between thorough disinfection and health hazards present in cleaning agents. Some commercial cleaning products can be harmful to human health.
Take bleach as an example. Although this product is effective in eradicating germs, it can irritate the skin and the eyes.
If you’re looking for better alternatives, take note of these products:
- Hydrogen Peroxide – You can turn this first aid staple into an effective disinfectant. Simply put hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle, and you’re all set. Make sure that the concentrated formula is between three and six percent.
- Rubbing Alcohol – Opt for a product that contains 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to effectively kill bacteria.
- White Vinegar – This natural cleaner is less irritating compared to commercial cleaners. It helps disinfect surfaces to some extent, which can serve as your gym’s supplementary cleaning product.
These measures will keep your facility clean and sanitary. A tidy and clean fitness center will keep clients safe and encourage others to work out and get fit in your establishment.
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