Gyms Prepare for New Year’s resolution rush during the pandemic

DELMARVA- It’s now 2021- and normally going into a new year- gyms expect a rush of people coming through their doors to continue or start their fitness goals.

“Back in the past everybody is very excited to start a new year, new you and new goals and new resolutions,” Miguel Deleon, Midway Motion & Fitness Owner, said.

But this year, since the pandemic has caused many to stay home, one Rehoboth gym said that may not be the case.

“We do have a lot of members that are still not ready to come to the gym they’re still in their houses,” Deleon said.

One of the owners of Midway Motion and Fitness said they understand why some people may not want to workout at gyms during this time, but luckily they said they have seen new members sign up for the 2021 year.

And they say they’ll continue their cleaning measures to ensure everyone’s safety.

“We give them a spray, disinfecting and a rag so they can clean anything before and after doing the workouts, we also have a oxygen sensor so we can check their breathing if everything is normal,” Deleon said.

Meanwhile, Planet Fitness said they expect an influx of people to come back and sign up.

“We do anticipate to see a lot more people coming in and joining the gym, like I said we are fully prepared for that,” Jeremy Smoot, a Sr. Fitness Training Support Manager, said.

Planet Fitness added that with the anticipation of seeing more people in the gym, they aren’t worried because they have recently enhanced tools, like their crowd meter on their app.

“When you do go on that planet fitness app, before you come in you can make an educated decision on how busy the club is gonna be before you visit the club,” Smoot said.

While not all gyms may see the same rush of people that they normally do in a new year, they’re continuing to try and keep people safe, and offering other ways like virtual classes that people can use to stay active at home.

Midway Motion & Fitness said they also have signs up reminding people not to use equipment that’s right next to someone else.

Planet Fitness added they’ve increased sanitation every 20 minutes and added a touchless check-in option.