The launch of a new product has today been announced, GymQ, specifically designed to enable gyms to re-open safely by scheduling the use of all gym equipment and stations.
With restaurants, bars, cinemas and other venues allowed to re-open from 4th July, gyms remain shut, with the risk of re-opening currently considered too high. GymQ aims to overcome the safety concerns and its founder believes the Government should now quickly re-assess the risk in light of the newly available tech.
GymQ, which doesn’t require an App or downloads, lets customers select the equipment they wish to use, and for how long, when they arrive at their gym. It then calculates and plans out a schedule, taking into consideration the latest availability and demand for each item. Each customer is then directed exactly where to go, when and when their time is up.
“By removing the usual hanging around, waiting for equipment and queuing that is common at gyms, we believe GymQ can materially increase customer safety” said founder, Craig Holt. Craig and the GymQ team were compelled to come up with a solution for getting gyms back in action after seeing the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on the mental health of the nation. “Gyms play such a vital role in our physical and mental health and even our immune system – it is therefore so important we can get them re-opened soon”.
“We urge the government to collaborate with us and the industry to get gyms re-opened as soon as possible. We appreciate the concerns expressed but believe this system can change the balance of risk in favour of a prompter re-opening” added Holt. “We stand ready to enter into a dialogue with those charged with making these decisions.”
GymQ’s algorithm, which can be adjusted for each venue, makes multiple calculations each second in order to allocate equipment fairly and optimally between customers. “The real risk at gyms comes from the lack of order and organisation, making social distancing challenging. If three people are waiting for the bench press machine, that is hard to manage. GymQ lets everyone be alone, at their chosen equipment, without others waiting or queuing nearby.”
The system can also provide customers with a layout plan of their gym, and even direct a route to get where they need to be which is planned to minimise crossovers with other gym goers. Gym owners can also automatically schedule gaps between customers for cleaning regimens and be notified when any piece requires cleaning.
“GymQ will make the gym experience not just safer but more enjoyable by ensuring a fair use of the equipment and preventing hogging of equipment or excessive amounts of time waiting around. The system makes it clear who is due to use which equipment when, which should be easy for centres to manage around”.
GymQ is initially available in the UK and US, with plans to launch globally shortly after pilots currently being planned.
