Fitness Habit for New Year 2022
Happy New Year 2022 to our valued members!
Good Year. As we look forward to a good year, let us recap the COVID-19 pandemic that is now subsiding. We spent the last two years in a sedentary (physically inactive) state. The first lockdown from March to June 2020 was a shock for all of us. Local Gym owners were fast to react and agreed to proactively close to slow the deadly transmission. Gyms re-opened with restrictive HPA Guidelines in July 2020. We then got a window of ten months till May 2021 when Male’ had to go under a second lockdown. This time, for two months. We have been open since, and our members are returning.
Ups & Downs. COVID-19 had it’s ups and downs. In hindsight, the pandemic set new heights for fitness. The pandemic was debilitating for gyms financially. Membership dropped by two thirds. It was a struggle to stay open. We are however now more hopeful of a better future for fitness clubs.
All Ups. The HPA Guidelines was one of the best things that happened because of the pandemic. For the first time a government regulator’s scope included fitness clubs, just as essential services such as food outlets, cafes & restaurants have long been regulated. Trainers and staff salaries were subsidized. The up for the future of fitness is that government regulation assure public a hygienic, sustainable and quality service.
Essential Service. The public realization that fitness was in fact an essential service will no doubt be a big boost for fitness clubs. Being cooped up at home under lockdown was a good lesson in mental and physical health. Mental health and strong immunity got associated more closely with physical fitness than ever before. People came out in droves to walk and jog to regain a mental and physical balance!
Ventilation. Gyms were not deemed quite safe. Ventilation, strict screening and sanitization protocols became the new norm and fitness clubs are now ready to welcome members under the new normal. Better ventilation & excellent hygiene is now the buzz for fitness.
Hopeful. Membership have increased since last July’s Eid Holidays. We encouraged members to return in time to get fit for the new year. Many did. Congratulations all current members, already in peak fitness for the New Year. Welcome all to resume the fitness habit this New Year 2022. Get toned for the Al’haa-Eid break next July.
Few Reminders. We will be closed Sat 1 Jan 2022. We will open fathis 5.30 on Sunday 2 January. Our new off-peak window will be from 8.30am to 4.00pm and fathis is peak. We have also marked post-Roadhamas, Fitr-Eid Holidays as closed in the first week of May (2nd to 5th). Similarly, gym will be closed for a week of the Al’haa-Eid Holidays in the second week of July (9th to 14th).
Wish you all Fitness and Wellness in the New Year.
