CoxHealth Fitness Centers to begin reopening June 17

CoxHealth is pleased to announce that its fitness centers will soon reopen to the public.

Starting June 17, all CoxHealth Fitness Centers will reopen with limited hours and activities. The only exception to this is the fitness center in Willard, which will remain temporarily closed due to the layout of the facility, which would make social distancing difficult.

At all facilities, there will be occupancy limits, required social distancing, and temperature checks upon entry. No in-person classes will be offered, and the pool will be closed at this time to help decrease possible spread of the virus. Even though local ordinances allow for these methods of exercise, it’s believed that this decision is currently in the best interest of members. However, online exercise classes will continue for members’ use after opening.

Members are encouraged to ask questions and conduct business interactions by phone or email to avoid groups of people gathering at desks. Please also note that regular business will not be conducted at the front desks for the first two weeks after opening, but staff will be available for activating cards or troubleshooting. No guests will be allowed, nor are we accepting new members, at this time.

For more information, please click here or call 417-269-3282. Answers to some frequently asked questions are below.

New hours of operation as of June 17:

The Meyer Center: Monday – Thursday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. Fridays, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday/Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Republic: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Fridays, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, closed.

North: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – noon. Sunday, closed.

Branson: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m., Satuday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, 12 – 5 p.m.

Willard: Closed

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will temperature and symptom checks happen upon entry? Yes, stations will be set up at our entrances for temperature and symptom screenings for all staff and members.

Will we be asked to wear a mask? Yes, all members are asked to provide their own cloth mask while entering and navigating from area to area, but not during exercise. Fitness Center staff will be masked at all times.

Which parts of the facilities will be open for use? Areas that will be available for member use will be cardiovascular equipment, strength equipment, track (where applicable) and locker rooms (except for shower and wet areas).

Some activities will be unavailable during the initial phase of our opening including services, classes, pools, wet areas, and Kids Club (babysitting).

All equipment will be spaced or taken out of service to accommodate the 6-foot physical distancing rule. Equipment will be moved onto the basketball court at The Meyer Center and into group exercise studios in all locations to assist with physical distancing. Staff will assist in enforcing the physical distancing rule.

Is there extra cleaning of the facility? What are responsibilities of the members during use of the facility? Additional sanitizing stations will be available and encouraged to use upon entering and exiting. Wipes and spray bottles with cloths will be provided at most machines for ease of access. Staff and our environmental services team will conduct increased disinfecting of high-touch surfaces such as grips, counters, etc.

Will there be limitations to the number of individuals in the facility? Yes, member volumes are specified by State and City formulas. We will operate below the maximum allowed to ensure physical distancing. Fitness Center staff will track with an iPad the number of people in our facilities at all times. We will encourage members to complete their workout in one hour or less.

Why are the pools closed? Pools will be closed because showers and wet areas will not be available initially. We are also limited with staffing due to the amount of sanitation that would be required in the warm, moist environment of the pool.

Why can’t we use the sports courts at The Meyer Center? The current Springfield-Greene County Health Department order does not allow contact sports at this time. In addition, to allow for physical distancing, the equipment will occupy the court space. Sports courts at other facilities are managed by the local jurisdictions and their reopening is up to their discretion.

Why do some facilities have reduced hours? Our facilities have limited hours so that physical distancing, increased disinfecting and entrance screenings can occur.

How will you handle our membership fees? Members who paid in full will be credited for three months, which will be added on to the length of their contract. Payroll deductions will resume for members using that service on the first pay period after June 17.

Individuals may freeze their accounts for up to 8 weeks with fees waived during that period.

Why will the Willard facility remain closed? The Willard facility will remain closed because we are not able to ensure physical distancing because of the size of the facility and equipment