By now we know ‘business as usual’ will never be the same, but what does Warren van der Mescht, General Manager of UFC GYM Bahrain, reveal about the new face and future of fitness? Listen in.

Our September issue was themed the ‘new normal’, a term that’s not going away anytime soon. What does the new normal inside a UFC Gym look like?

We are all tasked with the challenge of accepting the new normal etiquettes of the gym during this pandemic. As annoying and time-consuming as they might be, we cannot stress enough the importance of following these guidelines to a T. As a business, we are privileged to be in a position to reopen our doors again to our valuable members and the public. However, this comes with a great deal of responsibility to keep all individuals safe, including our staff. We urge everyone who enters the gym to follow the necessary steps, like wiping down all equipment before and after use, avoiding any social interactions, bringing their own towels and water, washing hands on regular intervals, and – most importantly – staying home if they’re not feeling well. All equipment is spaced out as per the regulations of the Ministry of Health, and we have provided adequate self-cleaning stations where members can sanitise their hands and get a fresh pair of rubber gloves if required. Our main priority is the safety of our members, and we ensure they can enjoy a pristine environment and return home healthy and refreshed. UFC GYM Bahrain has also launched a very efficient app that requires all members to book their time slots before entering the club. The app not only helps us to be aware of the number of members in the club, but also permits us to monitor that all individuals adhere to the 90-minute cut-off period set out as per the regulations.

What have been your initial observations and concerns during the reopening process?

We have noticed a higher percentage of people return than initially expected. Due to the regulations, we haven’t been able to run the club at full capacity. On the positive side, it allows us to ensure all measures taken are correctly implemented and identify any weak spots that we can work on to provide our members with the most pleasant experience possible. We’re very excited to have all our members back. However, our main concern is their safety and how to deliver the UFC Gym experience keeping that in mind.

” We are social beings meant to interact and explore, and not being able to do so has impacted us on a much deeper level than we could have imagined. “

Have you seen a change in the type of people who have expressed an interest in the gym post-lockdown – age, gender, demographics, or background?

It was no surprise to see our regulars – those die-hard fitness enthusiasts – back at the club on day one of reopening, but there is a clear indication of individuals who never entered a gym prepandemic joining them. I think it’s mainly because the past five months have made us not only more conscious about personal hygiene, but also highlighted the importance of having some form of physical activity during our daily routines. With our diverse class schedule, we make it easier for people to fill that gap with so many different types of classes conducted by highly energetic coaches. It’s easy to understand why members choose to join them.

Many people’s health took a hit during the past few months. We haven’t been as active, many of us have struggled with anxiety and depression over job losses and pay cuts, we were detached from our communities, and some even had to tackle the virus. What advice do you give your clients about getting their health and fitness back on track?

I think, as human beings, we have a unique ability to adapt to our situations and environments – even if the conditions aren’t favourable. Surely, we all have experienced some level of trauma during the pandemic, whether we have been directly affected by the virus or through certain limitations to our normal daily lives. The aftermath of the pandemic will long linger and, undoubtedly, some have been affected more than others. Having said that, we cannot get caught in our feelings of despair. It is essential to acknowledge that a majority of individuals have not only suffered a lack of physical activity due to restrictions and lockdowns, but also experienced a decrease in mental health. We are social beings meant to interact and explore, and not being able to do so has impacted us on a much deeper level than we could have imagined. My advice would be to accept our current state and realise that it is okay to feel vulnerable and overwhelmed. Physical health does not mean much if we are mentally drained, and I therefore advise to focus on self-care above all else. I urge our clients to make peace with situations out of their control and work on the aspects that they can control. Negative thoughts create negative feelings, so avoid going down that path. Set small goals and chase them. The road to health and wellness can be daunting for many individuals, but it is never impossible. Finding the right support channel is key to this approach, therefore, we have professional and friendly coaches who are ready to provide adequate motivation and guidance to any individual who feels they need an extra push in their fitness and wellness journey.

Considering how people worked out during the past few months, do you think virtual classes and at-home training will still have a place in the future, even if we manage to find a vaccine for the virus?

To deal with the pandemic, many clubs and studios have adjusted their sights on a new reality inspired by an innovative and creative approach to keep their members motivated and active – all by embracing technology. With social distancing being the standard, online fitness platforms and home-workout apps have become the new trend, with gyms and studios all over the world tapping into digital opportunities to stay connected to their customers. It might not be the same as facing a high-intensity class or workout with your gym partner, but it is a means to reach your fitness goals and an opportunity to interact. Virtual classes might not be the most popular method, but they do play an essential role in the ‘new norm’ of the fitness industry. With technology getting more advanced every day, I’m excited to see what the future holds and how virtual classes will evolve. ✤