Health clubs dealing with SARS

Health club operators in Asia are protecting themselves against the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) by introducing stringent operational procedures.

It is not known what causes SARS, which is a flu-like virus affecting mainly Asian countries like China, Hong Kong and Singapore, but health clubs are making sure that members still feel safe using their gym and fitness facilities.

One of Singapore's largest fitness operators, Planet Fitness, has pre-empted members' concerns, by posting notices around their clubs asking them to look out for symptoms in themselves and others. They are also stepping up the cleaning in each of their clubs to keep changing and exercise areas clean and disinfected.

Meanwhile in Hong Kong, which is worse affected by SARS, health club operators are having to be even more careful about hygiene and cleanliness.

Fitness First, which operates four clubs in Hong Kong and one club in China has employed staff to clean machines after use by members, using a one part bleach, 99 parts water solution, as recommended by the department of health. Additional filter cleaning of air conditioning units has been undertaken and group exercise classes are finishing five minutes early to allow staff to wipe floors and walls and exercise equipment with disinfectant. All Fitness First locker room attendants and front of house are wearing surgical masks.

California Fitness which has clubs in both Singapore and Hong Kong, has closed its sauna and steam facilities until further notice. All GX and spin studio floors are bleached once a day and disinfectant solution sprays have been placed in key locations for staff and members to use as necessary.

SARS does not seem to have stopped people from visiting the gym however. Although clubs were reporting a 15-20 percent drop in member traffic in Hong Kong immediately following the first cases of SARS, the number of people using the gym are now back to normal.

California Fitness is promoting exercise as a way of combating SARS, by maintaining that regular exercise boosts the immune system.

Rob Devereux who is regional fitness training manager for California says:

'We at CFC are not only in the business of fitness; we are also in the business of health. In times like these we should be especially conscientious in keeping up our own workout routines while at the same time encouraging friends and family to do the same. '