Category: COVID-19

COVID-19

CrossFit and COVID 19

“It’s going to happen to all of us,”

Dave Finlay, Owner CrossFit in the D

This past weekend Coach Robbie and myself had the opportunity to expand our coaching skill set by attending the CrossFit Level 2 Trainer course. The course was fantastic in many ways, so much learning took place to make us better coaches, but that is not why I’m writing this post today.

Over two FULL days we had the pleasure to interact with CrossFit coaches from all over the United States, mostly local, but some as far away as Michigan, Ohio, and Virgina. The topic that prefaced every conversation was COVID 19. The lectures, coaching evaluations, and general conversation all began with COVID 19 topics. For most of us, this was the first opportunity to see how other gyms were handling the pandemic.

Outbreaks

Before I get to far, I would like to share a recent article from the Morning Chalk Up. “How Two Gym Owners Handled COVID-19 Outbreaks.” This article was one of the first of its kind. Several CrossFit linked groups have written articles regarding COVID 19, mostly dealing with how to prepare, what to do, and how to survive when being shut down. This article, however, is one of the first to talk about what happens when a handful of members test positive for COVID 19.

This has and will continue to be a large concern for any gym operating in group settings. It has definitely been on the fore-front of all of our decision making at Fern Creek CrossFit. We have anticipated this scenario and even with the most robust of precautions, we knew the risk existed for exposure. Was this risk more because of our environment, likely not, as evidence has shown transmission rates in gym settings have been extremely low. but none the less the risk still existed.

In the article, Dave Finley, Owner of CrossFit in the D joked that he probably did everything “too correctly.” We feel this on a high level. Fern Creek CrossFit made a commitment to our members to do everything in our power to protect our members to the best of our ability. Even with voluntary shut downs, communication transparency, staff training and gym protocols, and an over abundance of cleaning and disinfecting we are still faced with positive cases of COVID 19 in our community.

COVID 19 in CrossFit

Back to our COVID 19 discussions with the other coaches. Some are very similar to us with their precautions, actually the majority of the other gyms represented align with our protocols, however some were less restrictive.

COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines

We cannot say that being less or more restrictive with our COVID 19 protocols equals fewer positive cases in our community. There are just too many variables. A persons time in the gym is only a small fraction of their day. Members are still interacting outside of our bubble day in and day out, something we cannot control.

“Now, people understand that it really can be coming from anywhere, it’s not as much ‘Oh I got it at this place,’” Nick Beal, owner of CrossFit Casco Bay and CrossFit Casco Bay Undaunted says in the article.

But at Fern Creek CrossFit we echo the sentiments of Dave Finlay, and many others we had the pleasure of chatting with…

I couldn’t even tell you how many thousands of dollars we’ve spent to try to keep things clean: buying equipment to clean things, buying masks, heating the place while the garage doors are open. The people who are coming, they’re getting a clean environment [and] a ventilated environment,

The Goal – Safe and Clean

That is the goal, a safe and clean environment, sparing no cost. We have no clue if we are even getting close to doing the right thing, only time will tell. There was no pandemic playbook, there was no CrossFit Headquarter guidance early on, we just started doing what we felt was the right thing to do.

Our discussion this past weekend with other coaches provided us confidence that we are on the right track. Couple that with positive feedback from our members, we are optimistic that we can and will survive this pandemic!

We are so thankful that you as members continue to support and trust us to be a safe place for you. If at anytime you feel we need to do better please talk with a member of the coaching staff or email [email protected]. We value your opinion, as we are not a community without our people.

Coach Erick

COVID-19

COVID-19 Updates 11/19/2020

⠀We are OPEN!

Yesterday, Governor Beshear released new, temporary restrictions for gyms, and while they are not ideal, they will not prevent you from working out at Fern Creek CrossFit.⠀

The team at FCCF remains committed to providing you a safe atmosphere, an inviting community, and a path forward to ReWriting Your Story!

Let’s dive into the changes: ⠀

All Classes Become “Open Gym” Time Slots

The major news is that group classes are prohibited in the short-term; but, gyms are still allowed to operate at 33% occupancy, which we already adhere to.⠀So, starting Saturday at 9am, classes will become “On Your Own” Open Gym timeslots. You will still reserve your spot (as if you were headed to a class) and sign-in to your reservation.⠀⠀

Time slots will consist of 45 minute increments, limited to 18 participants, beginning at 5:30am, 6:30am, 12:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm. We will be reviewing options available to add more time slots in the near future. Please follow the FCCF VIP page on Facebook for updates.

When you arrive, a Coach will be available on the floor as a monitor to answer questions, verify COVID-19 precautions, and to ensure athlete safety, however they are prohibited from leading a class. That means you will arrive and work through the Warm-Up, Strength, and WOD on your own, to finish up within your hour timeslot. Athletes please make sure to thoroughly read through the programming notes in SugarWod. The notes will provide additional guidance to assist with a successful workout.

Coaches can help answer questions, but you’ll need to move through the pieces as if they were pushing you along, so you don’t exceed your 45 minutes.⠀ ⠀

Masks Now Required At All Times ⠀

Everyone in the gym MUST have a mask on at all times. We recognize the strain and burden this may cause during the course of your workout, however we must adhere to the restrictions given to us at this time.

We encourage athletes with medical conditions to evaluate their situation and make appropriate decisions that benefit their health first and foremost. Prior to jumping into your first WOD with a mask, take an opportunity to review some Do’s and Don’ts.

Virtual Programming Options

Not comfortable participating in workouts in the gym? We will be working to open up online virtual options. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss options.

Moving Forward

We are in accordance with the remainder of the requirements, so these are the only changes taking place at this time.⠀PLEASE make sure to follow the existing Member Procedures when in the facility.

Governor Beshear stated a 3-6 week timeline on these changes. We’ll keep you updated on any further guidance, as we know it.⠀⠀

THANK YOU!

Thank you for everything you’re doing to keep Fern Creek CrossFit safe and open to the community.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Updates

With the recent increase in COVID 19 cases, and Jefferson County being listed as a red zone for COVID 19 cases, we have made the decision to update our COVID 19 policies.  We ask that you follow these in conjunction with the already established policies.

These are being implemented immediately and we recognize it may take a couple of days for these changes to reach all members.  Coaches will be providing reminders.  Please be patient.

We will be updating our policies on the website, and will be providing printed reminders in the gym.

COVID 19 Guideline Updates

  1. We will return to using separated athlete workout zones.  Class sizes will remain at 18 unless the layout forces a change in participation count.
  2. It is MANDATORY for all athletes to RSVP, and check-in once they arrive at the gym using their personal electronic device.
  3. Athletes will be required to wait in their vehicle until the class coach allows entry into the facility.
  4. Everyone will be required to wear a facial covering until they are in their designated workout zone.  This includes anytime you are retrieving or stowing equipment, using the rest room, or any other activities outside of the designated workout zone.
  5. Coaches will be required to wear a facial covering while coaching.
  6. Sunday Open Gym will have the same requirements, including RSVP, check-in, waiting in vehicle, workout zones, and facial coverings.
  7. Sauna use will be temporarily discontinued.
  8. Children will be allowed to attend with parents under the following conditions.  If this does not work, we will have to ask that children stay home.
    • Children must always wear facial covering.
    • Must remain up front and separated from others by 6 foot.
    • Temperature checks are required.
    • Must always remain seated.
    • Parents required to disinfect areas prior to leaving.

These requirements are subject to change as conditions change.  Please talk with your coach or e-mail [email protected] with any questions.

COVID-19, News

Reserving and Checking In to a class

With our new Coronavirus gym & facility procedures in place, we now have to RSVP for each class we’d like to attend and check in once we arrive. Using the Zen Planner mobile app is the easiest and fastest way to do this. Check out a quick video tutorial:

Limited Class Sizes

We have to limit the size of each class to follow the guidelines of our local Kentucky health officials. While this is different than how we ran the schedule in the past, it’s not a bad thing necessarily. Our coaches will have more time to spend with each member in a smaller class, meaning you get more dedicated attention every time you’re in the gym.

To start off in June 2020, we’re limiting attendance to 3 sessions a week for each member so we can make sure everyone gets an opportunity to adapt to these new procedures. RSVP’s can only be made 24 hours in advance of a scheduled class. If you’ve RSVP’ed but can’t make it, please cancel that reservation at least 3 hours prior to the class so that any member on the waitlist can attend.

More Help and Information

Here’s a few more links you can review for more help on using Zen Planner to RSVP and check in:

COVID-19, Health

Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Your Fitness

Wellness
To Fitness
To Happiness

Even in the midst of a pandemic like COVID-19.

Are you concerned about COVID-19 and going to the gym to workout? We get it. We are too, but that doesn’t mean your fitness goals go on hold. It means you have to be mindful and even more diligent with what you do each day. Here’s some recommendations for Louisville residents:

Do things that push you into the “fitness” category.

CrossFit has a great model for Sickness – Wellness – Fitness (see the continuum image below), but we believe the next phase after fitness is happiness. When you have fitness your body is better prepared for disasters of any form (common colds, accidents, seasonal flu, etc.). Plus you’re a fully functioning human and can choose to focus on whatever you want to do.

Subtitle

If you’re sick, the only thing you can focus on is getting well. Once you’re well, we want you to be better prepared for what life throws at you. To do that you need fitness. To push past wellness into the fitness category, consider the following:

  • Eat Real Food (think things that grow from the ground, run on the ground!)
  • Exercise Daily (include conditioning & strength ie CrossFit)
  • Sleep 7-9 hours
  • Hydrate with at least 80oz water
  • Practice Daily Stress Relief for 5 – 10 mins

Practice standard precautions to prevent any contagious disease.

These seem like no-brainers, but they bear repeating, especially in the midst of bad seasonal influenzas or pandemics like Coronavirus COVID-19. Follow these guidelines (and check with your state department of health – in Kentucky that’s here):

  • Wash Your Hands for at least 20 seconds with soap & water
  • Cover your mouth when you cough
  • Avoid sharing drinks / finger food
  • Fist bumps or elbow taps vs high fives
  • Wipe down equipment at the gym – before and after if you’re unsure the last person cleaned it
  • Stay home if you’re feeling ill & monitor your temperature

At higher risk for complications? Do you care for with someone at higher risk?

If you’re living in the “sick” category mentioned above on the continuum, you’re at a higher risk for complications. Follow the CDC recommendations which includes avoiding large groups.

In our gym, we are taking all the same precautions we have been throughout flu season (and really all year round). That includes wiping down equipment after each use with sanitary wipes, encouraging hand washing, and cleaning surfaces and floors multiple times each week. We even have at home workouts members can do. We’re also planning remote coaching options.

We encourage you to focus on living a healthy life so that you will bounce back regardless of when unexpected illness hits. We want the best for you and everyone in our local Louisville community.

Stay safe and be well!