LifeBridge Health & Fitness to Reopen June 25 with New Safety Procedures
Pikesville, MD - LifeBridge Health & Fitness is ready and energized to reopen its doors, following Maryland Governor Larry Hogan's announcement allowing health clubs around Maryland to resume operations at modified capacity following the COVID-19 shutdown. With the governor's go-ahead, the comprehensive fitness facility is the final stages of ensuring necessary safety, cleaning and social distancing procedures are in place, with reopening planned for 5 a.m., Thursday June 25. 
"We look forward to welcoming members back as we implement strict guidelines and best practices to keep our guests and staff as safe as possible. Members can expect the same high-quality one-on-one training sessions, group classes and customer services with added amenities, beginning with a comprehensive safety plan," says new Executive Director Hakeem Clark.
Following local and state reopening requirements, LifeBridge Health & Fitness will be using a reservation system to control capacity and limit the number of people in the facility.
Also, as part of the reopening plan, there are new protocols for enhanced cleaning and sanitizing. These include new equipment and cleaning schedules with a zone system that uses hospital-grade disinfect against viruses, including COVID-19, germs and bacteria. Members will also see 22 more hand sanitizer stations throughout the club. Sneeze guards are placed at the Welcome and Fitness desks.
"Keeping the fitness center virus free is the responsibility of all of our team, not just those in housekeeping. From our trainers to our front desk to our managers, everyone will have a role in making sure the equipment and workout areas are sanitized after each use. We will also need to support of our members who will be asked to wipe down gym equipment after they use it," adds Clark.
Keeping the physical building safe is only one part of the equation. All members and employees who enter the building will have their temperatures taken. Anyone who is ill will be asked to leave immediately. Masks must be worn by all guests and staff per Baltimore County and state of Maryland policies.
In this initial reopening phase, locker rooms will not be accessible. In addition, all showers, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and hot tubs will be unavailable, and bath towel services have been discontinued until further notice.
LifeBridge Health & Fitness professionals will use social distancing during one-on-one training sessions as well as in group exercise classes, and those classes will require a reservation and have a limited capacity. Reservations can be made at the front desk and via the center's member app. Virtual training sessions and classes are also offered.
"We want to thank our members for their patience and support through these past few weeks and months, and we look forward to welcoming back them back and continuing to help them lead a healthy fulfilling lifestyle," says Clark.
About LifeBridge Health
LifeBridge Health & Fitness is part of LifeBridge Health, one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. LifeBridge Health also includes Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, Grace Medical Center and related subsidiaries and affiliates. For more information, visit lbhstaging22.lifebridgehealth.org
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