Phase 4 expands fitness opportunities

Fitness centers are able to double their capacity in Phase 4, and officials are excited to be a step closer toward normalcy.

Region 1, which includes the Sauk Valley, moved into Phase 4 coronavirus restrictions Monday, which allows fitness centers to have up to 50 customers or 50% of facility capacity, up from 25%.

For the Dixon Family YMCA, that means having a higher capacity in the weight room and wellness center during a busy time of year when people are striving to maintain their new year resolutions, Dixon YMCA CEO Andy McFarlane said.

All health and safety protocols remain in place including wearing masks, social distancing, scanning temperatures and cleaning machines before and after use.

The goal is to maintain a safe environment and be prepared to adapt to changes, McFarlane said.

“We’re monitoring the situation daily,” he said. “We want to be responsible and to make changes and adjust to meet community needs as we can.”

Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA CEO Trish Klaver said they’ll be able to expand their group exercise classes, but they haven’t had much in the way of capacity concerns. They’re also being cautious with the rapid changes.

“It’s exciting for us, but we know it could change at any given moment,” she said.

Klaver and McFarlane said the other main change moving into Phase 4 is that patrons will be able to lower their masks when exercising, if following social distancing guidelines. Masks must be worn at all other times at the facilities.

Not all recreation facilities will be allowing taking off masks while exercising though.

Masks will continue to be required at all times at the Westwood Fitness and Sports Center as well as the Duis Recreation Center.

The Sterling Park District is following the governor’s latest executive order, which requires masks at all times in fitness centers, and staff aren’t interpreting the Phase 4 guidelines as a change to that, district Executive Director Larry Schuldt said.

Phase 4 is a step in the right direction, but the day when things go back to normal is a moving target, he said.

“For the most part, our patrons have been very understanding, and we’re all just trying to do the best we can,” Schuldt said.


Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers joined Sauk Valley Media in 2016 covering local government in Dixon and Lee County.