Around Town

Arlington Gyms Prepare for Reopening With New Precautions

(Updated 6/11) As Arlington prepares to move in to Phase 2 of reopening, some local gyms have started laying out their plans to start serving customers again.

At F45 at Pentagon Row (1101 S. Joyce Street), the gym is preparing to pivot from indoor sessions to outdoor classes.

“As safety is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, classes are restricted to nine attendees and one instructor,” according to a press release. “Participants and the instructor will all remain 10 feet apart throughout class to remain socially distant. While the studio is anxious to reopen, F45 recognizes the importance of safety and is excited to be able to adapt their offerings for their customers.”

The classes are scheduled to be held Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and can be booked through the F45 training app. Each class is $30 for those who aren’t “unlimited members” but is included in membership.

Gold’s Gym — which has locations in Ballston, Rosslyn and Arlington Ridge — announced in a letter to members yesterday that it is planning to reopen its Virginia locations on Friday, June 12.

“Our top priority is to ensure team member and member safety so we have created a phased Reopening Strategy in which we will implement various precautions throughout the gyms and reopen amenities slowly,” Gold’s Gym said. The start of Phase 2 means that gyms in Virginia can open indoor areas at 30% capacity.

The gym will adopt modified hours of operation for more extensive cleaning and sanitation. The new hours are:

  • Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Every other piece of cardio equipment, like treadmills, will be powered down to support social distancing.

“We will be conducting a screening process for members prior to entering the facility, which may include a questionnaire and temperature check based on state and district guidelines,” the gym said. “Touchless check-in process with credit/debit transactions only (please scan your own barcode and merchandise/concessions).”

Equipment with porous sources, like mats, will be temporarily removed so customers will be required to bring their own. While employees are required to wear face masks and gloves, the letter noted that face masks should not be worn while exercising.

“Once the Virginia gyms reopen on June 12, you can call your home gym Monday-Friday between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with any questions,” Gold’s Gym said. “If at this time, you feel uncomfortable visiting the gym, please contact the gym to have your freeze extended at no additional cost to you.”

Top photo via Gold’s Gym/Facebook, training photo via F45