COVID-19 Safety Plan

According to new guidelines released from the CDC, transmission of the Coronavirus via surfaces is exceedingly rare and regular disinfection does little to keep people safe. The inefficacy of regular cleaning to prevent covid transmission has been widely reported with some examples being here and here. Given this, we will be updating our cleaning protocol for members as follows:

Continue to disinfect hands when entering the gym via the hand sanitation stations provided in each facility. Hand sanitizer is readily available throughout the gym and we encourage its regular use as well as minimizing touching your face.

Cleaning of all used equipment will no longer be required at the end of your training sessions with the exception of: Abmats, Benches used for training and medicine balls. Now that we’ve got this great momentum cleaning, lets keep up the hygienic practice of always cleaning items you may leave sweat on.

Chalk will become available for communal use again and will also continue to be available for individual purchase. We’re currently restocking chalk so there may be a delay in its availability.
Cleaning supplies will continue to be available as they have been. Members who would like to clean up any additional equipment before or after use are more than welcome to.

Should we be informed that a member has tested positive for covid, we will spray down the equipment with disinfectant in the relevant gym.

We’re excited to provide more of your precious time at the gym to training instead of cleaning and hope this will be a relief to all.

Every visit to the gym will require:

Pre-registration via Zen Planner
Completion of a mandatory health screening questionnaire via QR code scan upon entry or showing us your vaccination record card after you have been fully vaccinated and it has been 14 days or longer since your final shot.
Contactless temperature check
Consistent and correct use of an appropriate mask at all times.

Individuals who screen positive for covid-19 symptoms will not be allowed access to the gym.

Acceptable face coverings include, but are not limited to, cloth-based face coverings and disposable masks appropriate for exercise that cover both the mouth and nose. Bandanas, buffs, and gaiters are not acceptable face coverings for use in gyms.

All training will initially be limited to 16 members during the week, 8 members for our 1:30PM session and 20 members on Saturdays.

All visits to the gym will be by appointment only and for a specific amount of time.

Staff onsite will oversee and facilitate proper distancing protocols during all business hours.

Programming will be such that spotting will be rarely required.

All members will be required to have accurate phone numbers, emails and addresses associated with their Zen Planner account.

We maintain ongoing digital records regarding everyone who attends our gym as well as every other member and employee who shared space with a particular person.

Bear Mountain is required to notify the state and local health department immediately upon being informed of any positive COVID-19 test results by an individual at the gym.

In the case of an individual testing positive, Bear Mountain must cooperate with the state and local health departments as required to trace all contacts in the gym and notify state and local health department of all individuals who entered the gym dating back 48 hours before the individual first experienced COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive, which ever is earlier. Confidentiality must be maintained as required by federal and state law and regulations.

Weather permitting we will keep our gates and doors open to circulate fresh air into the space

MERV13 air filters have been installed into all our training spaces.

What are the guidelines for visiting the gym post travel?

If you are traveling out of state, please review the current NYS Covid Travel Advisory guidelines.

What do I do when I get to the gym?
We ask that everyone arrive 5 minutes prior to their class start time. Our staff will check you in.
Hand sanitizer will be available as you enter the building and a staffer will take your temperature, and sign you into class

Where will I put my stuff?
Members can bring their belonging into their workout areas.

Do I have to wear a mask? I don’t like it/feel like I can’t breath etc.
Appropriate face coverings will be strictly required at all times while at the gym. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Will there be chalk at the gym?
We will provide communal chalk buckets as well as bricks of chalk for sale in one gallon zip lock bags for those who would like not to share.

Can I leave my weightlifting shoes/belt etc at the gym?
We will no longer be allowing members to leave any training equipment at the gym.

Can I come early or hang out after class?
Time in the gym will be limited to the training window signed up for.

What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
Any member who has been at the gym that tests positive for the virus should inform us via [email protected]. We will contact the city and follow their guidance and protocol detailed above.