Returning to the Gym after COVID-19

Now that Louisiana has started lifting quarantine restrictions, many businesses are starting to open. Among those business that have been approved to open are gyms and fitness centers. Here at Ochsner Fitness Center, we are working hard to ensure that you will be safe while you work out.

Yes, we are open!

Our fitness centers are open; however, things are different. Our facilities are strictly abiding by government guidance to fight the spread of the coronavirus. Ochsner Fitness Center’s “new normal” includes mandatory temperature checks and a health question screen upon entry, limited class sizes, venue capacity limits, increased disinfecting protocols and strict enforcement of recommended social distance protocols.

We are adhering to capacity limitations set by the state’s guidance for reopening. But the capacity limitations have created some opportunity for our members as well. Now, members can use our FITT Lab app to book spots in popular offerings, like group exercise classes, lap swimming and racquetball courts.

We also use our general all-club booking feature to help track how many members are in our facilities at any given time. Once your FITT Lab app is downloaded, reservations can be made with just a few clicks on your mobile device.

Don’t have a mobile device? No problem. Our friendly front desk team will book a spot for you. Just call or make your appointment make your appointment in person.

Download our FITT App

If you haven’t already downloaded our app, it’s a great option even if you aren’t ready to come back to the gym facilities. One of our “sites” on the app is a virtual platform, stacked with a variety of on-demand and live streaming fitness classes and workouts. There are also mindfulness videos and yoga classes to help you unwind in these trying times.

Here are some links to download the app: For Apple devices, click here to download our FITT Lab App. For android devices, click here.

What can you do to stay safe?

While we are doing everything to keep you safe there are things you can do to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

• Wear a mask. We require masks at all times except when in the pool, doing vigorous exercise, or eating/drinking.
• Wipe down all equipment before and after use. When spraying equipment with disinfectant, wait about a minute then wipe down the surface.
• Practice social distancing. Our floor circles will help you find the right amount of space.
• Use extra towels to wipe your sweat instead of using your hands.
• Wash your hands or use sanitizer frequently; definitely use it before and after working out.
• · Monday through Friday: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Services Available

All of our services are available now, except for high-risk population classes or group training such as the senior citizen classes, Parkinson’s class, and those in the medical fitness program with pre-existing conditions. There are added safety precautions with all our services, classes and spaces. Some of those restrictions include reductions in the number of people we allow in a space at one time and guidance in keeping a safe distance from others in that space. Our helpful Ochsner Fitness Center team members rotate around our high-traffic areas to help members socially distance and clean up machines and equipment after use.

Our pools are now open for recreational swimming! There are some limitations on how many members can swim at the same time, and social distancing guidelines.

Hours of operation:

Harahan:

• Monday through Thursday: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Heritage Plaza Staffed Hours:

• Monday through Thursday: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• 24-hour access available during unstaffed hours

Downtown:

• Saturday and Sunday: closed

Kenner Staffed Hours:

• Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• 24-hour access available during unstaffed hours

The information in this blog post is accurate at the time of publication. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to change, it's possible that information has changed since being published. While Ochsner Health is trying to keep our blog posts as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations by using the CDC website.