News Update
As Part of Phase 2 of the Washington State “Safe Start” we are on track to re-open on June 1, 2020. In preparation of the re-opening below is a letter from Donnie describing our plans for keeping our members safe.
Whetstone Clients and Members,
First of all, Abi, the Whetstone Staff and I hope everyone is doing as well as can be expected. These past few weeks have taken a toll on all of us. The good news I have was the result of a group of trainers and gym owners recognizing that the fitness industry didn't have a voice in the state's reopening. Because of that, all fitness services weren't scheduled to reopen until late June. A proposal was formulated by the group, arguing some fitness services aligned with phase two requirements and they should be considered. This was presented to the Governor's office and was accepted! The person most responsible for this outcome is our own, Joanie Nacke. Without her efforts and sacrifice leading the charge, this may not have been possible.
As of now, we are tentatively scheduled to open in limited capacity starting June 1st and we are already prepping for that opening date. The not so good news is that this only applies to one-on-one and small group training. I'm sorry to say there will be no gym service for the general population until the next phase. Our Zoom classes however, will continue and expand. Believe me sincerely when I say, if there were any way we could have pulled off allowing everyone to return, we would have.
How will reopening affect my training and safety? As for training, the biggest change is cardio, which can only be used for warming up and for no longer than five minutes. There will be NO pre or post training cardio sessions.
We will no longer be 24 hours until we reach phase four of the reopening. Our new hours are from 6:00 a.m. til 9:00 p.m.
Although trainers will wear masks and or face guards it will be optional for clients.
Some machines that are probably your favorites, could be taped off to support distancing guidelines.
Be prepared for further safety precautions, clients will be met at the entrance door by their trainer, there will be a temperature check, questionnaire and waiver.
Finally, the client will hand sanitize before and after each training session.
Only toilets and sinks will be available in restrooms. Lockers and showers are off limits. If possible, wear training gear to the gym to avoid having to change in the locker rooms.
Towel service has been temporarily suspended, so make sure you bring your own towel.
Water fountains will also be off limits, so bring your own water.
All billing will be handled over the phone or by email since there will be no front desk staff during this preliminary opening.
To further ensure your safety, the entire building will be sanitized prior to reopening.
To maximize ventilation, all doors and windows will be open and all fans will be on bringing the outside inside.
In addition, we've purchased a commercial grade mister to be used multiple times daily to kill surface pathogens.
Small group clients and Zoom participants will notice a stark change in the group fitness floor. The carpet will be replaced with an industrial laminate that will match the lobby making it easier and cheaper to clean and sanitize.
In closing, I commend you all. I wish the reopening was under better circumstances, but we are where we are. Let's make the best of it because better days are ahead. Stay safe and
We'll see you soon.
Donnie Whetstone
First of all, Abi, the Whetstone Staff and I hope everyone is doing as well as can be expected. These past few weeks have taken a toll on all of us. The good news I have was the result of a group of trainers and gym owners recognizing that the fitness industry didn't have a voice in the state's reopening. Because of that, all fitness services weren't scheduled to reopen until late June. A proposal was formulated by the group, arguing some fitness services aligned with phase two requirements and they should be considered. This was presented to the Governor's office and was accepted! The person most responsible for this outcome is our own, Joanie Nacke. Without her efforts and sacrifice leading the charge, this may not have been possible.
As of now, we are tentatively scheduled to open in limited capacity starting June 1st and we are already prepping for that opening date. The not so good news is that this only applies to one-on-one and small group training. I'm sorry to say there will be no gym service for the general population until the next phase. Our Zoom classes however, will continue and expand. Believe me sincerely when I say, if there were any way we could have pulled off allowing everyone to return, we would have.
How will reopening affect my training and safety? As for training, the biggest change is cardio, which can only be used for warming up and for no longer than five minutes. There will be NO pre or post training cardio sessions.
We will no longer be 24 hours until we reach phase four of the reopening. Our new hours are from 6:00 a.m. til 9:00 p.m.
Although trainers will wear masks and or face guards it will be optional for clients.
Some machines that are probably your favorites, could be taped off to support distancing guidelines.
Be prepared for further safety precautions, clients will be met at the entrance door by their trainer, there will be a temperature check, questionnaire and waiver.
Finally, the client will hand sanitize before and after each training session.
Only toilets and sinks will be available in restrooms. Lockers and showers are off limits. If possible, wear training gear to the gym to avoid having to change in the locker rooms.
Towel service has been temporarily suspended, so make sure you bring your own towel.
Water fountains will also be off limits, so bring your own water.
All billing will be handled over the phone or by email since there will be no front desk staff during this preliminary opening.
To further ensure your safety, the entire building will be sanitized prior to reopening.
To maximize ventilation, all doors and windows will be open and all fans will be on bringing the outside inside.
In addition, we've purchased a commercial grade mister to be used multiple times daily to kill surface pathogens.
Small group clients and Zoom participants will notice a stark change in the group fitness floor. The carpet will be replaced with an industrial laminate that will match the lobby making it easier and cheaper to clean and sanitize.
In closing, I commend you all. I wish the reopening was under better circumstances, but we are where we are. Let's make the best of it because better days are ahead. Stay safe and
We'll see you soon.
Donnie Whetstone
