Facility hygiene is rated a top priority by members and is linked to member retention. The Centers for Disease Control estimated there were 40 million flu cases in the 2023-2024 season. Fitness facilities can serve as a petri dish of communicable disease, especially on high touch surfaces. Actions as simple as touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it, and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes can transmit the virus and infect an individual. Athlete’s foot and MSRA are other common concerns that stem from fungal infections and recurrently collect on exercise mats and microfiber floors.
If your gym is conducive to transmitting diseases, your members WILL leave in no time, regardless what kind of state-of-the-art equipment and programs you have. According to IHRSA, 90% of members would renew their membership only if their fitness club is clean. Make it your mission to keep your gym and equipment clean and your members and your staff healthy. Maintaining a clean gym and equipment may seem like common sense, but it’s a good reminder to consider the following:
- Offer sanitizing hand wipes. According to health experts, waterless hand sanitizers can provide a critical advantage in the battle against gym germs and mitigate against antimicrobial resistance bacteria.
- Offer equipment wipes that kill a broad spectrum of germs for quick and efficient cleaning.
- Set up non-alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers in key areas, including the cardio room. Alcohol-based products can often damage fitness equipment’s plastic and rubber components, especially if used incorrectly.
- Remind members to clean before and after equipment use with bold signage. Wiping down equipment can go a long way and it demonstrates to members that you’re taking cleanliness seriously.
- Monitor all areas frequently and have staff clean with disposable wipes as well to ensure the highest levels of cleanliness.
- Don’t forget the locker room. This area can be the biggest violator and simply relying on soap and water in the locker room will likely not do the trick. IHRSA’s report on gym cleanliness indicates that rest rooms and locker rooms are the places where members form a perception of your overall commitment to cleanliness and hygiene.
- Listen to members and address complaints quickly which will show that you give cleanliness a top priority.
Although these measures help, they may not be enough. Visit 2XL’s Fitness resource page to learn more about how our cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing towelettes can keep your facility clean and healthy. If you’re not taking every step to keep your facility clean, it’s just a matter of time before illness impacts your members and staff.
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