The Malaysian Insight

GYM and fitness centres have been given the green light to reopen but not everyone is happy.

This is largely due to the strict Covid-19 standard operating procedures enforced at these places.

While the operators are more than willing to adhere to the rules if it meant they could open for business, their clients are less impressed by the loss of their membership perks.

Fitness First manager who wished to be known as Kenny, said it was quiet at the outlet as it was the Chinese New Year period.

“Although we are only allowed to operate at 30% capacity, we are glad that things are slowly getting back to normal.

“There has been an exponential increase in costs due to the new SOPs especially the requirement to disinfect the equipment after each use.

“We are also very strict about admitting only those who have booked an appointment,” he said.
 
He said many clients had asked for their membership fees to be reduced while new sign-ups had declined significantly.

Discover Muaythai co-owner Sanul John Tendahal said business was bad even before the second MCO. Back then, only 10 people were allowed to be in the gym at a time.

“There has definitely been an increase in overheads due to the need for sanitisers and sanitisation before and after training,” he said.

He said membership applications were rare. 

“We are grateful that so far our clients are complying with the SOPs.”

He said those who came to the gym without a mask or with a fever were politely turned away at the door.

“During the shutdown period our members did not cancel their membership but wanted their account to be suspended until we reopen.”

The gym had provided virtual workout sessions to mollify the members. 

“We have had some members leaving us as they were not ready to adjust their workout lifestyle in this new norm,” said , 34, 

Pantheon Fitness Solutions boss Ooi Choon Ee said that while it did not cost much to comply with the SOPs, it had cost him some business.

Members have left because they refused to adjust to the new norms, he said. 

“We have always provided hand soaps and we were sanitising our equipment way before Covid-19. It is just that we do it more frequently now.

“Before the MCO, we allowed eight persons in one training slot on an appointment basis but now we only allow four people per session.

Customer dissatisfaction

Shanthose Kumar, 33, was at first relieved to be allowed to return to the gym after the long shutdown but was underwhelmed by the changes he met there.
 
“If you ask me, the management should give us a discount as we are not allowed to use most of the facilities, such as the shower, sauna and the steam bath.

“To get coffee at the pantry, we are even told to bring our own mug,” he said.

He said the workout sessions now are nothing like they were pre-Covid-19.

Previously one did not have to book ahead for admission and one could stay as long as one liked, he complained.

Another gym member who introduced himself as Matthew said he was unhappy with the new restrictions.

“We are paying the same membership fees but we are not allowed to do many things,” he grumbled.

“For me, I use the free weight area but what about those who pay the membership just so they can use the studio? It is a waste of money for them at this period of time.

“The National Security Council should allow Zumba classes while the gym management makes sure there is social distancing.

“If you look back at the first MCO, you can see that we Malaysians are very good at following the SOPs so I don’t see why it is a problem to allow Zumba and other classes in the studio to operate,” he said.

Hafiz, 31, who has been going to the gym for about eight years, said that he felt like quitting his membership and rejoining next year.

“It used to be easy back then because my working hours were not consistent so I just come to the gym once I am done with work but now I have to make a booking.

“I work in sales so my working hours are always based on my clients which is why it was easier back then when I could just drop in whenever I can.

“I totally understand that we have to follow the SOP in order to curb the virus which is why instead of complaining to the management, I would rather just cancel my membership,” he said.

Last week, Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said gyms could open their doors once more to members but by appointment only. 

Social distancing is strictly required and the gym may be only 30% full at any one time. Studio classes are barred as is access to the locker and shower rooms. – February 22, 2021.