ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Staying fit and healthy during a once-in-a-century pandemic can present something of a quandary.
Regular workouts provide long-proven health benefits and gym memberships are a popular way for many people to exercise. But in the days of COVID-19, there’s a potential downside to visiting indoor facilities where patrons tend to breathe hard and could pass along coronavirus germs.
It’s a risk-reward proposition for patrons and it’s forcing gym owners and operators to do things differently. Keeping facilities ultra-clean and enforcing public health protocols are now essential parts of a successful business plan.
“We’ve doubled our staff in terms of a task force specifically for COVID,” said Darlene Lopez, general manager of the recently opened Defined Fitness Hilltop Club in Rio Rancho. “We have to take every step possible to make our guests feel safe and comfortable.”