As of June 1, Tokyo has entered the second phase of its reopening plan, which includes allowing gyms, cinemas and tutoring facilities to resume business. While this is good news for those who are tired of maintaining their fitness routine at home, gyms across the city have implemented new safety measures that will make working out a little different from now on.
Temperature checks
NHK reports (Japanese only) that many gyms are now checking the temperatures of guests at the entrance. Those with a temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher will be turned away.
Masks
Some gyms may refuse entry if you arrive without a mask. Anytime Fitness went a step further by making masks mandatory even during training. At Gold’s Gym, however, you don’t have to wear a mask while running on the treadmill, but you must have one on when conversing with trainers.
Training solo
If you normally train with a gym buddy, you’ll have to find another way to keep yourself accountable, as group training is banned at Anytime Fitness and strongly discouraged elsewhere. This is to avoid transmission through close contact. Individual training zones will be marked out with tape and thoroughly wiping down equipment after use – one of the keys to being a good member – is even more important now than usual. If possible, use lockers that are further away from the ones already in use.
Keep your workout to an hour
Gyms will also be limiting their capacity and the number of exercise machines, so it’s best to keep your training time to an hour or less, to give other people a chance to use the facilities. Exact rules vary from gym to gym, so be sure to check the website of your local venue before heading out.
This is the first time gyms have been open in about two months, as all non-essential businesses were requested to close by the government during the state of emergency. While restrictions are now easing, officials have warned that a second wave of infections is highly possible if people ignore social distancing and safety measures like these.
For more on how to go out safely in Tokyo, or anywhere for that matter, click here.
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