Gym owners were expecting the change to mandatory mask wearing, but say it will still be an adjustment. (submitted Photo/Fitness Lair Meadow Lake)

By Josh Ryan

Fitness adjustments

Gym owners transitioning to mandatory mask-wearing

Nov 27, 2020 | 3:33 PM

Business owners in many industries are making adjustments following the province’s announcement of restrictions on Wednesday, but many were already preparing for the news.

Gym owners, who were able to reopen in Saskatchewan in June, have made a number of parameters a part of their daily routine, with members being informed of each practice and warned of the possibility of more restrictions.

Brent Kauth, owner of Lifetime Fitness in North Battleford, said little has changed from how they operated the past few weeks.

“The only thing that’s changed is that the masks have to be worn while working out,” he said.

In the past two weeks, Kauth said he expected the announcement and decided to prepare members for the eventual result.

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“I told everyone to find a good mask that you can breathe [in], that fits and go from there, because I’m sure it will be implemented in the next few days,” he said. “And here we are.”

It’s been challenging for owners like Kauth since March, when public health orders shut down all fitness facilities. After going from an 82-day closure to finally being able to properly open in late July, Kauth said he feels better about their immediate future now.

“There’s been a lot of ups and downs, but I feel like we’re nearing the end of a lot of things with vaccines possibly coming in a couple of months,” he said.

“It’s that time of year where people are thinking about their health and now more than ever with COVID.”

Jenna Villeneuve, who owns Fitness Lair in Meadow Lake, said it’s good that they’re able to stay open, though it will still bring some challenges. She expects it will be difficult for many people to wear a mask at all times, especially for people with anxiety or who have trouble catching their breath.

“I just want to make sure everybody’s safe while they are working out and I know sometimes wearing the mask can be a little suffocating,” she said. “It’s definitely going to be an adjustment.”

Villeneuve said it’s been difficult for the gym as they’ve adjusted to the province’s mandates, but added they’re doing everything they can to provide a safe and happy place for people to workout, whether it’s been moving equipment, cleaning, designating spots for distancing.

“Fitness and gyms are the solution to things, not the problem,” she said. “We really want to be the solution to things and I think we are that [for physical and mental health].”

Villeneuve said she’s particularly focused on people’s mental health right now, hoping to provide a place for people to release frustrations and stress through exercise. Several agencies in Saskatchewan have called for more attention to an increasing number of people suffering since the spring. Villeneuve said as long as gym owners can keep providing options for people, it will make a difference, while encouraging safe practices.

“So, I really want to make sure that stands out more than anything,” she said. “I hope people realize we go above and beyond to do the best we can in opening a gym and keeping it open.”

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josh.ryan.jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports