29 October,2020 06:05 AM IST | Mumbai | The Editorial
Markings for social distancing at a Gold's Gym in Pune
This paper ran a prominent piece about the mood in fitness centres when many opened their shutters. While gyms had the green light to open on Sunday itself, a lot of centres reopened only on Monday as they were closed or open only for sales inquiries on Dussehra.
This paper has already focussed on the need for absolute COVID-19 appropriate behaviour inside these gyms, which has to be enforced by the management. Members also need to co-operate as this is a two-way process.
One must pay heed to one vital point - some gyms have become commercial casualties during COVID times. They have shut down operations totally, like other establishments in other industries. They were unable to survive the unrelenting lockdown for seven months and the owners decided to close. In fact, the piece had one owner talking about how they were still a week away from reopening their fitness training. Yet, some members had dropped in simply out of curiosity or concern to inquire at the front desk whether they were operational at all.
Gyms need to inform their member base if they are shutting and make arrangements for a refund of annual fees. While this may be tough, it is simply ethical and they are duty-bound to do so.
ALSO READ
BCCI channels 'lockdown-style' secrecy for Team India in Perth
Smog creating lockdown-like situation in Pakistan
Consumer forum orders Rs 1 lakh refund to man who booked wedding hall during Covid-19 lockdown
Police swarm Georgia high school after it's placed on lockdown as students evacuated to stadium
Why more men are turning to crocheting
Unfortunately, we often see owners disappear altogether, or gyms shutting down while members are hoodwinked into believing that some renovation or other work is going on. The management goes incommunicado or becomes untraceable. We do not refer to COVID times, but other times too. This may escalate now and members have to be wary, while gym representatives need to be accountable.
These are tough times for all businesses, some more hard-hit than others. Gym promoters need to desist from the disappearing act, be upfront, ethical and transparent.
Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and a complete guide from food to things to do and events across Mumbai. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.
Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news