Gym Coronavirus FAQs

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The safety and well-being of our members and teams remains our top priority during this period. We encourage you to stay healthy and active during this time and urge all visitors to observe good hygiene and be socially responsible. This is a collective effort to keep yourself, your loved ones and everyone safe. We have listened to you and below we have listed the answers to some frequently asked questions. Some sections may not apply to your specific facility.

What are you doing about access to the centre and social distancing during visits?

The safety of our members, customers and staff is our priority. We have carefully considered every area in the centre and the following measures have been put in place:

• To allow for flexibility you do not need to pre-book your visit however we recommend booking to guarantee your session. We are still required to control the number of people in the centre at any one time and ensure the safety of the staff and visitors. Bookings can be made via the FREE More Fitness App or on the centre website homepage.
• All visitors must register at reception upon arrival at the centre. To avoid crowding, we ask that where possible you avoid arriving early for your pre-booked session.
• Face coverings must be worn in all non-activity areas such as reception, corridors and changing rooms. Face coverings are not required while you are working out.
• Social distancing must be maintained at all times. To help you adhere to the guidelines whist on site, workout areas and equipment has been redesigned to allow extra space, class sizes have been reduced or moved to a larger space and signage is prominent to remind all users to maintain a safe distance.
• If required first aid will be administered by a trained member of the team wearing appropriate PPE.
• All visitors are being asked to use the NHS COVID-19 app to check in to the centre. The test and trace app can help you understand the symptoms associated with coronavirus and will alert you if you have been near other app users who have tested positive for the coronavirus which we ask you to consider before attending the centre.
• Contactless payment methods are advised where possible.

I can’t log in to the booking system
 

• The booking system is available via the ‘Book Online’ or ‘Log In’ link located on the website homepage. 
• You will need your membership number to register/login. This can be found on member communications or on your bank statement if you pay by Direct Debit.
• If you are a new user you will need to Register; click on the link ‘New User’ and take a moment to register your details.
• If you are an existing member, you must link your membership number with the booking.
• If you have previously used the MoreFitness App for your bookings, you can continue to use this.

What new cleaning measures are in place?
 

• We have enhanced cleaning regimes that follow fitness industry and Public Health England guidelines. Our dedicated staff will be cleaning throughout the day working to a comprehensive cleaning protocol. 
• All high-frequency touchpoints will be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
• We are going above and beyond guidelines where possible to keep you safe and we will continually monitor and update our safety measures if the situation changes.
• Cleaning spray and blue towels are available for you to use for touchpoints.
• Hand sanitiser stations have been carefully located throughout the centre for members and staff to use. We also have handwash stations available at each site.

What must I do when I visit the centre?
 

• To allow for flexibility you do not need to pre-book your visit however we recommend booking to guarantee your session. We are still required to control the number of people in the centre at any one time and ensure the safety of the staff and visitors. Bookings can be made via the FREE More Fitness App or on the centre website homepage.
• All visitors must register at reception upon arrival at the centre. To avoid crowding, we ask that where possible you avoid arriving early for your pre-booked session.
• Face coverings must be worn in all non-activity areas such as reception, corridors and changing rooms. Face coverings are not required while you are working out.
• All visitors must register at reception upon arrival at the centre.
• Social distancing must be maintained at all times. To help you adhere to the guidelines whist on site, workout areas and equipment has been redesigned to allow extra space, class sizes have been reduced or moved to a larger space and signage is prominent to remind all users to maintain a safe distance.
• If required first aid will be administered by a trained member of the team wearing appropriate PPE.
• All visitors are being asked to use the NHS COVID-19 app to check in to the centre. The test and trace app can help you understand the symptoms associated with coronavirus and will alert you if you have been near other app users who have tested positive for the coronavirus which we ask you to consider before attending the centre.
• Use contactless payment methods are advised where possible.

What will happen to my Direct Debit?

All members will be contacted to tell them when we will start to take Direct Debit payments.

What happens if I pay upfront/annually?

Your membership has been extended. We have added the number of days we have been closed, on to your membership expiry date. This will be at no cost and will reflect the time that we have been closed.

I have cancelled my Direct Debit at the bank, what do I do?

We need a new Direct Debit Instruction from you. Please Contact Us and the team there will be happy to help.  

I am classed as high-risk, so I can’t come back yet, what can I do about my membership?

We understand that it’s not possible for everyone to return and we’re happy to continue to freeze your membership. Please Contact Us and the team there will be happy to help.

I just don’t feel ready to come back yet, what can I do about my membership?

We do understand your concerns and we’re happy to continue to freeze your membership. This will cost £5 per month. Please Contact Us and the team there will be happy to help. Rest assured our centre is a very safe place to visit.

I’ve been made redundant; Can I freeze my membership?

Please Contact Us and the team there will be happy to help. As part of our Covid Promise we will be able to freeze your membership for free.

I no longer want to b a member, can I cancel my membership?

We do not want to see you go, please get in touch via the Contact Us form so we can discuss your options. Please note should you wish to cancel there is a one-month notice period.

Will my Leisure Centre close again?

Unfortunately, we do not know the answer. The government guidelines can change quickly, we will do our best to communicate these changes with you, however, please ensure that you check our website and Facebook page for regular updates.

My contact details have changed, how do I update them?

If you have moved house or need to change your email address please get in touch. To update any of your contact details, please fill out the Contact Us form which can be found on our website.

I’m in a tier 3 area, are there any online work workout classes available?

Online workouts are now available for all members. Your favourite classes can be streamed live in your homes.

Hosted by instructors from the More Fitness Network, members have exclusive access to a whole host of classes from Body Pump and Body Balance, through to Pilates and Yoga.

You will need to download the free Microsoft Teams app from your app store on to your device, this can be a phone, tablet, or laptop.

To access the exclusive member only online workouts, you will require the link that have been emailed to you. Please Contact Us if you require more information. The weekly timetable is updated every Sunday.

Can you pass COVID-19 from Sweat?

No, there is no current evidence that the virus can be spread by perspiration (sweat).

Is a gym ‘dirtier’ than a shop?

Gyms have very high standards when it comes to cleanliness/hygiene and, as we did prior to closing, we will be putting extra measures in place to make sure that both the teams and customers are safe.

How long will COVID-19 stay on equipment for?

While the COVID-19 virus can stay on certain surfaces for up to 2 or 3 days, the most important thing to remember is that it can easily be cleaned with common household disinfectants that will kill the virus. This is already common practice and has been increased.

Furthermore, any virus picked up by your hands needs to be transferred to the mouth/eyes/nose for infection to possibly occur. Avoid hand-to-face contact, wash your hands frequently and use anti-viral/bacterial hand gels to reduce the infection risk.

Is there an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission in a studio compared to the gym floor?

As long as social distancing, cleanliness and the aerosolisation guidelines are followed there is no increased risk.

Do shared water fountains pose an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission?

As long as all touch points are cleaned pre and post use, water fountains are safe.

Do changing rooms/toilets pose an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission?

As long as you follow social distancing and cleanliness guidelines, there is no increased risk.

If a person wears a masks or gloves in a gym or leisure facility will it protect them from COVID-19?

Non-PPE certified masks are not certified to prevent the wearer from contracting COVID-19. They may, however, have some value in preventing the wearer from spreading COVID-19.

Exercising indoors with a face mask may not be appropriate in all cases - a face mask increases the work of breathing which leads to greater ‘respiratory steal’ (oxygen consumption by the respiratory muscles in breathing), and increase the perception of effort (breathing and exercise).

While gloves are useful in some circumstances, in a gym using hand sanitiser and wiping down equipment before and after use is more appropriate.

Does physical activity (exercise) increase resilience to COVID-19, and how?

WHO recommend regular physical activity benefits both the body and mind. It can reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers - all conditions that can increase susceptibility to COVID-19.

Physical activity leads to improvements in immune health and metabolic health, both of which are linked to COVID risk. Furthermore, physical activity is central in weight management and positive changes in body composition, both of which are linked to COVID-19 risk.

Does air-conditioning raise the risk of transmitting COVID-19?
Th­e Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have advised that the risk of air conditioning spreading coronavirus is extremely low.

Please also refer to our Covid Promise page here.