Masks come off at Sacramento gyms, but trainers say some COVID practices are here to stay

Face coverings came off at many Sacramento gyms this week when the state and county lifted the COVID-19 mask mandates that kept people working out in masks for months.

Some of the larger fitness centers around Sacramento sent messages to their members advising them of changing health guidelines.

But several personal trainers plan to keep masks available for their customers.

Clifford Hutchinson, 34, has been the owner of Lion Athletics Private Training Facility and a head coach for six years.

During the height of the pandemic, Hutchinson said he lost over half of his customers, but was able to keep his remaining clients safe by creating alternative methods such as virtual sessions or training in the park with small groups.

“We all initially take that risk whether we are at the gas station, a grocery store, whatever,” Hutchinson said. “Coming to the gym, they’re adults, and they’re aware that there is a potential risk no matter what the stance we take or the tactics of trying to prevent it.”

Hutchinson said he developed ways to rebuild his list of clients by taking safety precautions such as taking temperatures, disinfecting equipment after each use, providing masks, requiring negative COVID tests, and signing COVID waivers before attending.

He’s accustomed to the new practices, and he doesn’t plan on ending them.

“I’ve already kept safe practices in place. I’m not going to impose them nor am I going to discriminate against them. I’m just going to keep (masks) available at the front of my gym, you can grab them if you want, sanitation dispensers are everywhere. We’re going to keep cleaning all the surface areas,” Hutchinson said.

Carl Fears, 66, work with an older group as a personal trainer and coach at Got Muscle Health Club and Personal Training. He’s adamant about ensuring their protection — and his own — by following protocols and regulations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

He asks his clients — new or old — to regularly provide verification of their COVID vaccinations and negative tests. He’s also asking them to wear a mask.

“I will not train anyone who is not fully vaccinated with proof,” Fears said. “Our gym is clean, and I make sure that people follow rules. If not, they will have to train somewhere else.”