We are all very excited to be getting back to the gym. Currently we still have some restrictions in place from the state on how we are allowed to operate. In this article we will be covering the current (and hopefully temporary) procedures, what steps we are taking to help keep our members safe, and what the latest information from the CDC says about your potential risk.

New Procedures

We know that the flexibility of training time is a huge part of why you choose to train at Arkitect Fitness, unfortunately due to the regulations imposed by the state, that is not currently allowed. We feel that it is better to open in some capacity rather than to stay shut down, even if it means modifying our normal operations. Here’s what you need to know about coming to the gym:

• We are limiting capacity to 13 members at a time. When allowing for two staff members this puts a total of 15 people in the facility at a time. This gives each individual roughly 300sqft of personal space. You can reserve your slot here. Please note if you reserve a spot and no-show, there will be a $10 fee. Reserve training times here.
• Your workout will be limited to 60 minutes if we are at capacity. Remember, you can always warm-up and cool down outside the facility as there is plenty of space and the weather is beautiful!
• We ask that you begin your workouts on the hour.
• You can only attend during staffed hours. No 24/7 access until further notice.
• You must wear a mask whenever you are not actively exercising.
• You must hand sanitize prior to beginning your workout
• You must maintain 6′ of distance from other members and coaches
• If you are sick, or have been in direct contact with someone who is sick, we ask that you do not attend.
• We will take your temperature with a no-contact thermometer before you enter the facility.
• Members will not be allowed to share equipment as we normally do. Only one person per machine or implement at a time, and all equipment must be wiped down after you are done using it. We also recommend members wipe down a machine or implement BEFORE beginning use.

How We Are Working to Keep you Safe

• As always we have disinfecting wipes available to wipe down all equipment when you are done with it. Staff will also be doing this hourly as well.
• Hand sanitizing stations have been added throughout the facility
• Bay and front door will be open during staffed hours with fans circulating fresh air
• Staff will be masked
• Nitrile gloves and masks will be available for those who need them

Assessing the Risks

The pandemic has been a scary time for many of us. The biggest obstacle has been a lack of data given the novelty of the virus. As more data has become available and more research has been completed, health organizations like the CDC have been able to provide a clearer picture of the risks associated with COVID-19. Here is some updated information from the CDC:

• Estimated mortality rate of COVID-19 is believed to be on average o.4%. While this number is subject to change as more information becomes available, what’s encouraging is that in general estimates on the mortality rate have decreased in a linear fashion since the beginning of the pandemic. Like other viral infections, those with weakened immune systems (like the elderly) are more at risk.
• Over 96% of cases do not require hospitalization
• It is unlikely you will contract the virus from a surface (like a piece of gym equipment). There is a strong case that it is human to human interaction that spreads the disease.
• Infection outdoors is unlikely. While Arkitect Fitness is not an outdoor facility in the strictest sense, with a large bay door, we are able to circulate a lot of fresh air into the facility.
• Transmission from asymptomatic carriers appears to be unlikely and roughly 35% of carriers are asymptomatic.
• Complications due to COVID-19 infection have been associated with Vitamin D deficiency. With this in mind we recommend you begin a vitamin D supplementation regiment if you haven’t already. Remember to always check with your doctor before starting or stopping any medication or supplementation.
• Sleep is one of, if not the biggest factor in a healthy immune system. We recommend getting a minimum of 8 hours a night of quality sleep each night.
• Currently there are roughly 6,000 positive cases of COVID19 in NH. Out of 1.3 million citizens, that means roughly half of one percent of the population is infected.

Anticipated Questions

• Will my membership become active again on June 1st?
  • Yes. All memberships that were active prior to the shut down will be reactivated as of June 1st unless otherwise discussed with us.
• Will my bill date be the same as before?
  • Possibly. Because our software company rolled out a new tool to mass freeze all memberships, there is some ambiguity regarding how it will effect the system when memberships are reinstated. If you need your membership billed on a specific date, please let us know.
• Do the months the gym was shut down count towards my membership contract?
  • Only if you chose to maintain your membership payments during that time
• I still don’t feel comfortable coming to the gym, do I still have to pay?
  • For the month of June if you still do not feel comfortable coming to the gym, you will not be forced to pay for your membership for that month. However starting 7/1/2020 all memberships will be billed per their contract.
• Can I bring my (friend, family member, kid, etc…) to the gym with me?
  • While we are normally very happy to have guests, we do ask that only members attend at this time due to capacity restrictions
• Can I get a new program for next week?
  • Given the long lay off from exercise most of us experienced during the shut down, we will be providing standardized programming for members to ease them back into training. After that period, we will assess where you’re at and move forward from there.
• Do I HAVE to reserve my time online?
  • No but it is recommended
• How much advanced notice do you need for a reservation cancellation?
  • 8 hours notice.
• Do you know when we will be able to go “back to normal.”
  • At this time it’s difficult to say. We have heard no official statement for how long these restrictions will be in place, however at the rate of progress in general we’d estimate no earlier than July 1st.

We know this situation is not ideal, however we really appreciate everyone’s patience right now, and when we work together, we can all begin to get back to our healthy habits and routines at the gym. We truly believe that operating in this capacity is better than not operating at all, and our staff is still 100% committed to helping you reach your health and fitness goals.  Thank you to everyone so far for their support, and we still believe 2020 can be our best year ever as a community.