REGINA -- At least one Regina fitness studio will be offering online classes in the wake of COVID-19 reaching Saskatchewan.
With two presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, co-owner of Bodhi Tree Yoga Colin Hall said the studio has already cancelled classes geared toward people with compromised immune systems, like its yoga for cancer program. As a result, the studio will start streaming an online class Monday.
“We want to have an option there for people that don’t feel comfortable going out in public, and sort of start preparing in the event that we do need to shut down completely,” said Hall.
Colin Hall with Bodhi Tree Yoga
Public, on-location classes will still be available for the time being. However, the studio has stopped renting yoga mats to visitors, and Hall is asking guests to bring their own yoga props or a towel when attending a regular class.
Meanwhile, staff are doing everything they can to keep their members safe and healthy, according to owner of Orangetheory Fitness Regina East Nadine Newton
“We are disinfecting every single piece of equipment after every single class,” said Newton. “All of our members are given sanitation wipes at the beginning and throughout the class to make sure they are constantly sanitizing their areas.”
The YMCA of Regina is also cleaning its facilities more frequently throughout the day, and is giving greater attention to high-contact areas. It is also requiring staff members stay home if they are sick.
“If the need arises to cancel programming or close facilities to help stop the spread of the virus, the YMCA of Regina will follow directives from our public health partners,” the organization said on its website, adding any cancellations or closures will be communicated by email and online.
Kyle Gibson, co-owner of Wheelhouse Cycle Club
Wheelhouse Cycle Club is doubling-down on its cleaning schedule and providing extra Lysol wipes for cyclists.
Like Orangetheory Fitness, Wheelhouse coaches have stopped giving out high-fives, said co-owner Kyle Gibson.
“The safety of our riders is more important than that. So for now, we’ve suspended the high-fives, but we’re still giving people enthusiastic, contact-free greetings,” said Gibson.
Both Hall and Gibson said they will continue to monitor the situation and will make changes to their classes if necessary. They are also encouraging everyone to take care of themselves, both physically and emotionally.
“I think the big thing we’re trying to tell people is ‘You need to be cautious and need to take care of yourself. But managing your stress and taking care of your physical health is an important part of keeping your immune system strong,’” said Gibson.
