Saskatchewan gym maintaining safe practices with rising Omicron cases

A Saskatchewan chain of gyms is taking things on a day-by-day basis when it comes to rising Omicron cases in the province.

Motion Fitness has several locations in the province and it is making sure staff and daily members who use the facilities are feeling as safe as possible.

Hussain Akbar, the operating officer with Motion Fitness, said operators are taking an extra step to ensure the health and safety of their employees.

“We have ordered a bunch of rapid test kits to ensure that all staff are able to diagnose themselves if they have become contagious,” Akbar said.

“If they do, they can self-isolate at home. There’s no pressure for them having to work.”

The focus for members who use the facilities on a regular basis still remains the same from the beginning of the pandemic, according to Akbar.

Any equipment or machine that gets used must be wiped down by the members after they finish using it.

Akbar said vaccination is mandatory to use a facility.

With the rules in place, members are still able to use the facility in a safe manner and work toward their health goals without having to worry.

“They like that they can come into a facility knowing that everyone else around them is also vaccinated,” Akbar said.

“They’re getting the workouts in. We have seen a little bit of an increase in January. They feel very safe.”

Masks must be worn when entering and leaving the facility, as well as in change rooms, washrooms, and areas in between machines.

However, it’s up to the member to wear a mask while using machines or free weights.

“It’s not easy to work out with a mask on,” Akbar admitted.

Akbar acknowledged as Omicron cases continue to rise, the potential for mandatory masks at all times could return to the province.