Finally! Yesterday afternoon the Government announced that Northland will move to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm tonight, Tuesday 7th September.

Based on this we can advise Kensington Fitness will re-open on Wednesday morning 8th September. Please note the morning cycle classes are cancelled Wednesday and will start with the afternoon classes.

Opening at Alert Level 2 will require specific measures to be in place, we have been there before so you will all be aware of what this entails (details on this below), however Delta Alert Level 2 is a new proposition which means some changes to the rules. These include:

Mandatory mask wearing, scanning into the facility and 2m distancing:

• Masks must be worn before and after training while at Kensington Fitness i.e. when entering, exiting, and moving around the facility and in the changing rooms.
• Masks are NOT required to be worn while you are exercising.
• All staff will be wearing masks, but group fitness instructors will not be required to wear masks when they are instructing classes.
• 2-meter distancing must be adhered to. For us this means we will have equipment and spaces taped off and marked out to allow for 2-meter distancing. Regrettably, some of the equipment you enjoy using the most may not be available. We intend to rotate equipment weekly to help you with your training.
• Scanning in and out of the facility is now mandatory.

Please be aware the suspension placed on your account as a result of the lockdown will be lifted.  For Direct Debit memberships, billing will recommence effective Wednesday 8th September 2021 and in accordance with your payment schedule.  Your first scheduled membership payment may be higher or lower subject to when the hold was placed on your account within your payment schedule. Collection of overdue payment will also recommence.

Please stay home if you are feeling unwell! There will be no entry to Kensington Fitness if you:

• Have tested positive for COVID-19, unless approved as being clear by the Ministry of Health.
• Have any of the symptoms of COVID-19 and/or flu or cold symptoms e.g. cough, temperature, shortness of breath, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose or loss of smell.
• Live with or have had close contact with anyone who has any of the above symptoms or has tested positive for Covid-19 and you haven’t self- isolated for 14 days.

Entering the Facility:

• We will be operating a one-way system to help ensure distancing. Look out for directional signs and use correct entry and exit doors.
• You will need to scan in at the main entrance upon arrival at the facility using the QR code.
• You will need to bring your key tag/membership card and swipe in and out of the fitness centre for contact tracing purposes.
• We will operate a ‘keep to the right’ system throughout the facility. Keep right on the stairs when going up and down (one person at a time in the lift).
• Look out for markers on floor around reception directing you where to stand.
• You will be required to use a card for payment, not cash. You may wish to purchase a concession/convenience card for an easy and simple payment method.
• Please observe good personal hygiene, wash and dry your hands regularly for 20 seconds, cough/sneeze into your elbow, discard used tissues and wash hands. Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, eyes, hair.
• If you start showing symptoms (a new or worsening cough, a high temperature at least 38°C, shortness of breath, sore throat, sneezing and runny nose, temporary loss of smell) during a workout or on returning from the gym, please advise a staff member ASAP and contact Healthline (on 0800 358 5453) and your GP immediately.

Fitness Floor:

Physical distancing will need to be observed. Keep your distance (2 meters), but also be kind as some may be feeling anxious. Further to the points above:

• To ensure appropriate distancing requirements can be met, some weight machines and cardio equipment will be unavailable, and some benches and rowers have been removed.
• Keep right when moving around equipment and follow the directional arrows on the floor.
• You will be required to clean all equipment before and after use.
• Paper towels and sanitiser will be made available.
• Staff will do regular checks of the facility and clean equipment that receives a high volume of use.
• Water fountains will be turned off, you will need to bring your own bottles pre-filled. We will have bottled water for sale at reception if required.
• The sauna will be closed.
• All equipment and touchable surfaces will be professionally cleaned after closing each night.
• No fans will operate.
• If you have a programme folder you will need to sanitise it at the end of your workout and put it back in the filing system.
• Bring a towel, ‘no towel no workout’.
• No spotting…as this would mean physical distancing of 2m could not be maintained.
• No sharing of equipment.

Changing Rooms:

There will be limited access to changing rooms and toilets, so please come ready and dressed in your gym clothes and where possible please shower at home or make alternate arrangements for showering after your workout.

Group Fitness Classes:

There are some changes to Group Fitness...

• Face masks are to be worn into the studio’s and on exiting but masks are NOT required to be worn while exercising.
• A new timetable with temporary class times can be found here https://www.kensingtonfitness.co.nz/fitness-classes/group-fitness-timetable-1
• All staff will be wearing masks but group fitness instructors will not be required to wear a mask when they are instructing a class.
• When entering and exiting classes please listen to staff instructions.
• Classes in studio 1 will be limited to 27 people to meet physical distancing requirements. Spots have been marked on floor at 2 metre spacing, you are required to position yourself on these and observe good physical distancing during classes.
• Cycle classes will be delivered in the new Fitness studio space and cycles will be limited to allow for 2m distancing.
• Entry doors to Studio 1 to remain open during classes to allow for air flow and to reduce touch points.
• No fans will operate. Air-con will operate.
• Remember to bring a towel and full water bottle and use the hand sanitizer when exiting.
• All equipment used will need to be sprayed down before replacing.

If you are planning on staying for another class please put on your mask and leave the room while sanitising takes place and adhere to physical distancing recommendations of 2 metres outside classes.

Please bear with us, these are unprecedented times, but rest assured we are doing everything we can to ensure our facility operates as effectively and safely as possible.We are here to help you, so please ask us any questions or let us know how we can help.

The easiest way to ensure everyone is kept safe is to wear a mask and keep the 2m distancing rule 😊.

If you are uncomfortable with scanning in, wearing a mask and keeping the 2m rule then please discuss with us prior to coming to the facility. He Waka Eke Noa – We Are In This Together.

Lastly, for us to stay open, we will need all members to adhere to our COVID-19 Health and Safety rules. Please remember we are doing our best to make your experience as smooth as possible – there may be a few problems, but be sure to let us know and we’ll do our best to fix them! ❤🙏

Article added: Tuesday 07 September 2021