A Sustainability and Disinfecting Program for Gyms, Health Clubs, and Spas in a Post-COVID-19 World

A Disinfecting and Sustainability Program for Health Clubs, Gyms, and Spas in a Post-COVID-19 World

 

More than 38,000 health clubs, gyms, spas, and studios shut down during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While it caused significant financial hardships for many operators, there are some good signs ahead for the industry. 50% of those surveyed said they had a “renewed appreciation” for their health and well-being. More than a third said they expect to work out even more than in the past. Despite the shutdowns, there is an opportunity as people settle back into more normal life routines.

What has changed is member expectations. Members are placing a higher value on cleaning and sanitizing processes by facilities. In fact, it’s the top concern for patrons. Unless you can demonstrate significant efforts to clean and disinfect your facility consistently, they say they won’t feel comfortable returning.

Messaging will be particularly important. Everybody will talk about how they are enforcing social distancing, installing hand sanitizer stations, and hand washing. The facilities that can demonstrate that they are going above and beyond expectations are the ones most likely to succeed.

 

A Disinfecting and Sustainability Program for Health Clubs, Gyms, and Spas in a Post-COVID-19 World

 

Industry experts recommend the following practices:

  • Signage detailing member expectations and procedures
  • Touchless hand sanitizers and soap dispensers
  • Alcohol-based sanitizing wipes in locker rooms and bathrooms
  • Foot and forearm door openers
  • Training for staff members on proper cleaning and sanitizing
  • Regular cleaning of high-touch areas

Messaging should be frequent and obvious. It’s also important that members see staff cleaning and sanitizing continuously. As time passes, staff may tend to relax attitudes about being diligent with their sanitizing efforts. Be vigilant and make sure they aren’t slacking off when it comes to virus prevention techniques.

Industry experts also recommend three specific strategies for improving your facility in a post-COVID-19 world:

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting

These are separate processes. Cleaning will remove dirt and grime, but will not adequately take care of germs and bacteria. Sanitizing and disinfecting may be ineffective if you’ve haven’t cleaned surfaces first.

Many people use the words sanitizing and disinfecting interchangeably but they have different meanings. Sanitizing will lower the number of germs, but only disinfecting will kill germs on surfaces and objects. For proper disinfecting, use only an EPA-registered disinfectant.

While this method is important, continued use of harsh chemicals can cause damage to equipment and surfaces.

Antimicrobial Protection

The toughest part about the disinfecting process is that as soon as you’re finished killing germs and bacteria, it can be exposed to new germs or viruses. Cleaning and disinfecting gets rid of what’s on the surface, but as soon as someone touches it again, they can leave behind active bacteria. You need more than a sanitizing and disinfecting routine, you need a sustainability program – a solution that provides longer-lasting protection.

Tile Doctor Shield Logo

 

Consider a mechanical barrier of antimicrobial protection, such as Tile Doctor Shield®. Tile Doctor Shield® is a patented product that continues to work long after traditional antimicrobials or sanitizers have stopped working. It also provides reliable surface protection even in between cleanings. Tile Doctor Shield® works as an EPA registered topical product with 90-day effectiveness for many hard surfaces, such as tile, vinyl, stone, ceramic, marble, counter-tops, and shower systems. It literally bonds to substrate material for stain protection and prevents microbes from attaching to surfaces.

Nanosceptic Wraps

Another recommendation is to consider the use of nanoseptic wraps for high-touch areas. These wraps are continuously self-cleaning wraps that can be applied to exercise equipment. The wraps oxidize organic contaminants.

Additional Resources

Sources