Fitness Australia advises of concessions achieved for gym reopenings

Fitness Australia has advised that it has won some “hard earned concessions” as gyms reopen in Victoria and South Australia.

In a statement posted on the Fitness Australia website, the peak body advises “it’s unfortunate that NSW will continue in lockdown for another four weeks”, before explaining that it has secured the fitness industry “concessions in Victoria and South Australia to match those achieved in other states” that see the industry classed in the same industry category for reopenings as hospitality.

Fitness Australia added “being treated at least the same as hospitality has always been a ‘no brainer’ for our sector but, as we know this has not always been the situation.

“We have argued since the outbreak of COVID that exercise is essential and that exercise facilities can be COVID safe with the appropriate protocols in place.

“Now being able to reopen at the same time as hospitality in Victoria and South Australia is a benefit that cannot be put in jeopardy by any facilities or individuals not complying, or trying to find ‘loopholes’, with the relevant requirements.”

Fitness Australia Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish then goes on to say “health authorities, the media and the wider community will be watching and we will all be judged by any instances of illegal or rogue behaviour by any facility or individual.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of all Fitness Australia members demonstrating best practice and doing the right thing at all times.”

Key Victorian restrictions

• Maximum patron cap of 100 people per space indoors and 300 per space outdoors

• Density quotient of no more than 1 person per 4 square metres

• The number of members of the public in a group at any one time is limited to 10 (with infants under one year of age not counting towards this limit); and

• A COVID Check-in Marshal is present at all entrances to the facility open to members of the public whenever the facility is operational

Definition of a space: "Indoor space means an area, room or premises that is or are substantially enclosed by a roof and walls that are temporary (in a physical recreational facility or food and drink facility only) or permanent structures rising either from floor to ceiling or are at least 2.1 metres high, regardless of whether the roof or walls or any part of them are open or closed."

Key South Australian restrictions

• Indoor Fitness - 1 person per 8 square metres

• Outdoor Fitness - 1 person per 4 square metres

• Must show effort to maintain social distancing (1.5 metres) for both indoor and outdoor fitness

• Masks are mandatory for all indoor activities. This includes staff (employed or contracted) and members. However, a mask can be removed for the following reasons:

• You are performing physical activity (this relates to members and staff performing physical activity as part of their regular duties)

• You are performing another activity that would prevent you wearing a mask (e.g. showering)

• You have a physical or intellectual disability that would be negatively impacted by wearing a mask

• Masks are recommended but not required outdoors if you are able to maintain 1.5 metre of distance

Image courtesy of Cockburn ARC.