The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has launched the Active & Safe Commitment pledge. Health clubs that sign the Pledge promise to commit to best industry practices and COVID-19 mitigation procedures.
Developed by fitness industry professionals and conforming to public health guidance on COVID-19, serves three primary purposes:
- Demonstrate the industry’s united commitment to safety for members, guests and staff;
- Provide health club members and guests with peace of mind during club visits; and
- Reassure policymakers and public health officials that health clubs should not be closed due to COVID-19 but rather be relied upon as safe environments for exercise serving as responsible, credible and effective partners for physical, mental and emotional well-being.
“The pandemic has upended how health and fitness clubs operate and magnified the necessity to provide a clean and safe space for members,” said Brent Darden, interim president and CEO of IHRSA. “The Active & Safe Commitment is an opportunity for clubs around the world to verify publicly the immense value they place on the health and wellness of not only their members and staff but all those who enter the facility.”
Health clubs that sign the Commitment pledge would adhere to the following best practices:
- Physical distancing/mitigation measures;
- Employee/member safety protocols;
- Cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting; and
- Contact tracing
The Active & Safe Commitment is a “no-brainer for any club,” said Luke Carlson, CEO and founder of Discover Strength. He added, “The Active & Safe Commitment is one way to shout to your members and community how safe your club is and how much their safety means to you.”
