Gold Coast gym owners fuming over new one person per 7 sqm rule, cleaning demands

Gold Coast gym owners have been caught off guard by new strict rules that slash patron numbers by a further 50 per cent — and include a “ridiculous” cleaning schedule.

GOLD Coast gym owners have been caught off guard by new strict rules that slash their patron numbers by a further 50 per cent and a “ridiculous” cleaning schedule.

The Palaszczuk Government had announced, as of Monday June 1 at noon, 20 people could congregate in gym facilities.

But a number of gym owners have told the Bulletin, according to an industry plan distributed yesterday, restrictions on gyms have been amped up.

The shock rules set out in the COVID-SAFE Industry Plan from Fitness Australia sent to gym owners includes a one person per 7 sqm rule, under the heading Promoting social distancing.

Manager of Anytime Fitness Miami, Col Watson, and Silix technicians Jamie Taylor (left), Michael Hobson (right) prepare for reopening. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Col Watson, owner of Miami’s Anytime Fitness, said he was scared his members wouldn’t return when he reopens on Monday June 8.

“We are getting it sorted to comply but it’s going to be really hard,” Mr Watson said.

“We have had special Silix commercial cleaners in but it’s an added expense with not as much revenue.”

Gold Coast World Gym owner Jon Davie said he would reopen his four gyms on Friday.

He can’t understand why the industry has been handed such a “raw deal” compared to the retail and hospitality sectors.

Jon Davie at Coomera World Gym. Picture: Tertius Pickard

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“Palaszczuk’s (apparent) mentality that gyms are dirty, disgusting and a germ-infested place is wrong,” he said.

“They need to get their rules sorted too because this has been so confusing. Our members are not happy they have to book now and can’t mingle in the gym. We are copping it badly on social media.

“Restrictions on Monday allowed my gym to function as per usual.

“Now numbers have been halved and a lot of members are going to miss out and cancel their membership.

“I understand the rules, they are going to pull a lot of dodgy gyms into line, but a lot of gyms have been doing COVID-like hygiene practices for years.”

Mr Davie, who has around 3000 on his books, said he was required to install bollards in the gym, clean 150 pieces of equipment every hour, pay more staff to be on the ground and reduce his trading hours.

“This is absolutely ridiculous and financially painful.”

The Bulletin is seeking further clarification from the state government on how stage two restrictions apply to gyms.

NQ Fit Factory is ready to reopen. Photo: Supplied

World Gym is changing membership contracts to a pay-per-visit scheme to stop complaints.

NQ Fit Factory Gym, Bundall, is reopening on Monday.

Co-owner Nathan Couper said: “It will be really hard for the industry to survive but I hope everyone supports us and ditches the home equipment.”

The Bundall gym now has the “GymKeeper” and “Fitness Stimulus Package” deals to encourage people to come back.