Many gyms are now set to reopen under the ‘new normal’ social distancing guidelines to keep gym goers safe.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor was one of the first to step foot and take a look at Anytime Fitness in Croxley Business Park, which recently completed reopening preparations to make the gym a safe experience from Covid-19.

The Observer visited the gym while staff were reorganising equipment under the latest guidelines, where owner of the branch Peter Chapman explained what visitors can expect once doors reopen on Saturday (July 25).

Here is an updated look at what the gym will look like once it has reopened:

Equipment have been set to minimum of 1.5m apart, with some equipment being 2m where possible.

Watford Observer:

After the changes were made - with a third bay to keep distance Photo: David Itzcovitz

Watford Observer:

Before the changes were made

While members are not required to wear a face mask or covering under government guidelines, all equipment has been placed so that members would be facing forward and not breathing on each other during a workout.

Staff will be cleaning high touch points every hour, and there will be regular cleaning around the general venue throughout the day.

Read more: How Anytime Fitness prepared to reopen

But members will be asked to wipe equipment before and after use.

Watford Observer:

The hand sanitising station - next to the cleaning station Photo: David Itzcovitz

Watford Observer:

Members will be told to follow these new rules Photo: David Itzcovitz

Anytime Fitness branches across the country will also have regular maintenance with the ventilation system to keep it clean.

The branch uses a unisex shower system - one which members will be asked to avoid using as much as possible during the reopening period.

Members will be asked to come pre-dressed in gym attire if they can, and to shower elsewhere than the gym.

While changing rooms and showers will still be accessible, reducing its use will mean less cross-contamination.

Watford Observer:

Photo: David Itzcovitz

Classes will have a lighter and less regular schedule, as the gym anticipates less people will come in during the reopening period.

Watford Observer:

Equipment has been spaced out to encourage social distancing

And for those wishing to quench their thirst in between workouts, the water fountain will be out of use for people to drink from, but they can refill their water bottles.

Speaking to the Observer previously, Mr Chapman believed that while the gym might not be the busiest during the initial reopening, members will slowly feel comfortable in returning to the gyms.

Watford Observer:

Classes will also have designated spots for members Photo: David Itzcovitz

He said: “We think somewhere about three quarters of members will come back on the first week. Probably about a quarter of them are either shielding, working from home, and some are worried about contracting something from the gym.”

The owner estimates that around two-thirds of members are from workers at the business park, and roughly a third of them are people who live locally.

Neil Randall, CEO of Anytime Fitness in UK and Ireland, said: “One of the main things we’ve continued to see during lockdown is our clubs’ genuine passion and consideration for their members.

“Peter Chapman and his team are a shining example of how hard our gyms have been working to ensure both staff and members are kept safe when we reopen this weekend.”