NSW gyms share update on mask rule during ‘strenuous exercise’

Less than 24 hours after masks became mandatory in NSW classes, gyms are sharing the reason members are allowed to remove masks.

Less than 24 hours after gyms in NSW were instructed to enforce mask wearing during workouts, many gymgoers are now able to exercise mask-free.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced new covid rules for Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour on Wednesday that made wearing masks indoors compulsory for the next week.

This included workplaces and at gyms with Ms Berejiklian stating masks should be worn by those attending group classes with numbers limited to 20 people.

But after gymgoers battled through gruelling fitness classes wearing masks and receiving complaints that people “couldn’t breathe” – several gyms have uncovered an apparent loophole in the rules.

The NSW Health website states “you can also remove your mask when you are doing strenuous exercise” – except when you are in a gym class, or a dance class at an indoor recreation facility.

Justin Ashley, CEO of Fitness Playground in Sydney, said the ruling is “open to interpretation” and created a Perceived Exertion Chart (RPE) scale for its members to know when they are permitted to remove their masks.

RELATED: NSW announces restrictions on gym workouts amid covid case surge

NSW gyms have been updating members on masks, stating they are allowed to remove during ‘strenuous exercise’. Picture: Instagram/OrangeTheoryBondiJunction

“It is our responsibility to act decisively to ensure the safety of our members,” Mr Ashley told news.com.au.

“Therefore, in an effort to provide logic to the term ‘strenuous’, we can use the modified Rating of Perceived Exertion Chart (RPE) scale here.”

The chart begins at 1, with very light activity, and peaks at 10 with max effort activity.

“Any members with an RPE of 7 or higher should not wear a mask,” Mr Ashley said.

“Everyone has different fitness levels and respiratory health, therefore reaching an RPE of 7 could occur in any class.”

Fitness Playground created this chart for members showing what qualifies as strenuous. Picture: Supplied

In terms of enforcing the policy, Mr Ashley said the team was using a “human centred approach”, rather than an activity centric.

“What is strenuous for one person, may be moderate for another. There are major variables including fitness level, health, respiratory issues and many others.

“Some members will find Yoga Strength a very strenuous class, while they find a Spin Class something they could do for hours. Other members will be the polar opposite.”

However he stressed its gyms, which operate in Marrickville, Surry Hills and Newtown, have set a benchmark for staff and members to follow.

Orange Theory in Bondi Junction stated its members “are not required” to wear face masks “while performing strenuous” activity in an Instagram post on Thursday afternoon.

The gym told members it has “received further clarification from NSW Health”, stating masks are required when entering and exiting the studio and lobby areas and while transitioning from one station to another.

Barry’s Bootcamp Australia, that has three gyms across Sydney, announced the same move on its social media channels, stating the strenuous exercise exception means “masks do not need to be worn while in the Red Room” adding masks are welcome “if you feel more comfortable”.

Barry’s Australia updated its guidelines to state members can remove masks during classes. Picture: Instagram/BarrysAustralia

Sydney spin studio Cycology in Surry Hills also updated members, stating masks were a condition of entry but could be removed “during class if exercise becomes strenuous”.

Ms Berejiklian said yesterday those working out on exercise equipment such as treadmills do not have to wear a mask.

After the new rule was enforced at 4pm on Wednesday, many gymgoers took to social media to express how “difficult” it was.

“It was so hard this morning with the mask,” one wrote on Instagram.

“Legit couldn’t breathe running with a mask on,” another wrote.

It didn’t stop these fitness fans at a Marrickville gym from working out. Picture: Instagram/HouseofAthlete

’Don’t let a piece of cloth affect whether or not you achieve your goals’. Picture: Instagram/HouseofAthlete

However, some gymgoers embraced it, with House of Athlete in Marrickville sharing footage of its members working out with masks, writing “don’t let a piece of cloth be the deciding factor in whether or not you achieve your goals” on Instagram.

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