For many people grappling with pandemic-induced depression, anxiety, loneliness or other emotional stressors, exercise may be more important than ever. It can provide a slew of immune- and mood-boosting benefits that may help the body fight off these feelings, as well as infections, including Covid-19.
That is why the Shorewood Community Fitness Center has worked tirelessly over the past six months to continue providing a consistent, safe workout space for patrons, in spite of the pandemic. Safety is the No.1 priority, according to SCFC Director David Winger, and he ensures that staff are going above and beyond, taking proper precautions and following strict protocols.
Anyone entering the SCFC must wear a mask at all times. Signs are placed across cardio equipment to ensure that people remain physically distanced from another by at least 6 feet, and all strength equipment has been rearranged to promote such social distancing. In the aerobics room, cardio equipment is set up on one side while three training stations are on the other side, for personal training to take place when it’s not being done outdoors. Also, the weight room is now accessible by appointment only, and gym goers can reserve up to an hour in the weight room, with no more than six people total in the room at a given time.
“I am impressed at how thoroughly the management and staff at SCFC have arranged and scheduled use during this most unusual year,” says SCFC patron Barbara Weber. “The gradual increase in availability of space, equipment and services, such as personal training, has offered me as much of an exercise routine as I could have hoped for during this strange and restricted time. The staff has also been exceptionally conscientious about helping members feel welcome and safe.”
In addition to staff wiping down all exercise equipment every two hours throughout the day, SCFC is closed every weekday from 1-2 p.m. for a facility-wide deep cleaning. This allows staff to thoroughly disinfect every nook and cranny.
“Since the center reopened, my experience has been great,” says SCFC patron Margaret Crosby. “The staff demonstrates a firm commitment to maintaining a high level of cleanliness and safety, and you can tell the entire facility is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized every day.“
Photo (by Patrick Manning): Margaret Crosby, left, and Tom Deffke are physically distanced during their workouts at the Shorewood Fitness Center.
In addition to increased cleaning procedures and rearranging of equipment, Winger notes other small changes, including hand sanitizer stations in every room, signage telling patrons what is expected of them, limited access to the locker rooms (only for restroom use and hand-washing) and limited entrances from room to room.
“As a longtime member of the SCFC and a frequent visitor, I’m very pleased with all the Covid-19 precautions that have been introduced,” says Andrew Digate. “Many familiar faces have returned and I look forward to seeing many more."
The SCFC is currently running an end-of-year promotion where new clients can get their first month free if they enroll in an EFT (month-to-month) membership between Dec. 15 and 31, 2020.
To enroll or for more information on the SCFC, including hours of operation and services, visit shorewood.k12.wi.us/apps/pages/fitnesscenter.