At LoHi Athletic Club, we take our members fitness and safety VERY seriously. With the uncertainty of potential closures due to rising Covid numbers on the horizon, we wanted to take a moment to look at the data, and examine how we can continue to support our member’s fitness goals while ensuring all necessary precautions are taken to keep everyone safe.

The research shows that gyms and health clubs are NOT a major vector for transmission. In a letter in response to official’s comments of closing health clubs again amidst rising COVID numbers, studies and data compiled by the IHRSA show some positive signs for gyms remaining open. We’ve included an excerpt from the letter below:

“There is substantial data that America’s gyms and health clubs, when following safety protocols, can operate safely. A case control study published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that people who tested positive for COVID-19 were more likely to have dined in a restaurant or have had a close contact diagnosed with COVID-19. There was no statistically significant association between COVID-19 test results and visiting a gym.

A survey conducted by MXM of 2,877 health and fitness clubs, reports a mere 1,155 COVID-19 cases out of 49.4 million check-ins from June through August, an occurrence rate of .0002%.

Data collected as part of an ongoing study at the University of Florida found no detectable SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) in the air during multiple testing periods at a health club in Florida in which patrons were following state guidelines and appropriate social distancing measures.

Contact tracing per state bears this out as well.

Louisiana releases tracking data on COVID-19 cases by setting. Of twenty reported settings, ranging from automotive to religious gatherings, gym/fitness centers rank 15th out of 19 in COVID-19 cases. Well behind settings such as bars (#2), casinos (#4) and restaurants (#5) and even behind office settings and religious gatherings.

Colorado has released contact tracing data linking outbreaks to settings. Of 18,693 total cases linked to outbreaks traced, 637 cases were linked to bars and restaurants, 574 cases were linked to offices, but zero cases resulting from outbreaks linked to health clubs or fitness centers in Colorado.”

Overall, we feel this is very positive news, and should allay fears of the club being forced to close again if restrictions change. More importantly, the data shows that exercise and fitness can reinforce your health, and reduce the negative symptoms if you do get sick!

We will continue to follow all precautions and guidelines put forth by the state, and take every measure to ensure our member’s safety here at the club. Help us spread the word! Click the social share buttons below to help spread the word, but be sure to wash your hands to reduce spread of the virus. 😷

Read the entire response letter