After doing some battle with the government, waiting a long time and losing a lot of income, gym owners rejoiced when they were able to open their doors again.

Gyms were forced to close when the national lockdown came into effect on 23 March, and remained closed until the country moved down to Level 2 on 18 August.

During these past five months, most gyms temporarily suspended their members’ contracts, receiving virtually no money, but still having to pay rent and utilities. This meant that there was no money for the gym owners and their staff’s wages. Though one cannot say whether the gym owner, staff and their patrons’ nationwide protest in the streets on 5 August did anything to convince President Cyril Ramaphosa to allow the gyms to open a week later, it came as a welcome surprise.

The News paid a visit to New Dimensions Gym where owner, bodybuilder and Arnold Classic Africa winner Mark van Biljon explained how the gym would be navigating the long-awaited return of their members.

“A lot of new people signed up recently,” Mark noted with a sigh of relief, “but we have lost some of our previous members.”

He explained that because they opened so late in the month, they’d only be able to tell if things have been picking back up by next month after people have received salaries and can join again.

He mentioned that the 50-person limit enforced on gyms won’t really affect them, as they generally have a maximum of about 35 members on their floor at any given time. As for the fears of the Covid-19 virus being spread in gyms, Mark believed they have every safety measure possible in place, just like any other business.

They have a strict ‘no mask, no entry’ policy, and already had to face an unhappy member on the matter. But, they’re sticking to their guns, believing it’s in everyone’s best interest to be extra cautious.

Temperatures are logged upon entry, hands are sanitized, members are asked to be wearing their gym wear when they arrive, and equipment is sprayed and wiped down before and after a workout is done. The showers have been closed for the time being, and social distancing is maintained at all times.

People enjoy working out together and want to help each other, but they always have to be extra careful. We as trainers have to help members, and can’t catch a weight if we’re standing a distance away. But, we take every precaution we can,” Mark noted.