Fitness industry: Geneva's forgotten health and economic crisis

The 100,000 or so active Geneva fitness enthusiasts find themselves in the greatest perplexity, without the possibility of practicing their usual training, at a time when health and physical fitness are more important than ever. Nor do companies in the fitness sector benefit from the economic aid granted by the canton to companies in serious difficulty. This is a ban that could well be the end of many companies active in this sector, which occupies a significant place in the economic fabric. Indeed, some 1,000 jobs in Geneva are currently affected and are desperately waiting for the recognition they deserve. The entire sector holds its breath every Wednesday, hoping for a sign from the State Council, in vain. IG Fitness Switzerland, the industry's umbrella association, is sounding the alarm and is calling for a quick and swift reaction from the authorities with a view to reopening the fitness rooms and for a dialogue on the necessary financial support.

A national protection plan in force since May

Since the release of the first semi-confinement last spring, the branch, under the wing of IG Fitness, has been working tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of its members. It applies a tried and tested safety protocol and protection plan and always does so overseas, where the clubs are open. Wearing masks at all times, social distancing, reduced capacity, a significant increase in the frequency of club cleaning: everything has been done to guarantee a healthy and safe environment for the practice of sport. The figures speak for themselves: during the month of October, 5.3 positive cases at Covid-19 per 100'000 visits were recorded throughout Switzerland. No outbreak of Covid-19 infection has been formally identified in a fitness center in Switzerland since May 2020. 

A few simple facts explain this:

• The regular practice of sport increases the immune defenses.
• Indoor training is an individual activity and not a social event.
• Protection protocols have been strictly enforced, with the adherence of the entire industry.
• The practice of sport can only be done while feeling fit, which in fact keeps viruses out of the clubs.

No reopening in sight

In spite of this, the fitness centers remain closed. Worse, they are no longer even mentioned in official communications, which was the case until October. Logic would have it that they could reopen at the same time as the catering establishments.

Non-existent financial support

Between high fixed charges (rents for surfaces of 500 to 5'000 square meters) and non-existent income during the closing periods, all the actors of the environment are on the ground. Apart from the HRT, no aid is planned for them. Worse: no financial aid to the fitness industry has been recorded to date, allowing no visibility in the short, medium or long term. The survival of many players in the sector is therefore compromised if an economic solution is not put in place quickly. Indeed, the immediate and future losses caused by the long periods of closure and the uncertainty related to their reopening weigh too heavily on their financial capacities.

Modest claims

Fitness clubs are asking to be able to welcome their members again with a strict health and safety protocol, in line with the device successfully applied until November 2nd. The fitness industry is part of the health industry, and should be considered as such. If the people of Geneva can once again go shopping and visit museums and, soon, go to restaurants, cinemas and theaters, why not allow them to fight the virus by betting on their health and immune defenses? How can we justify this difference in treatment and the banishment of an entire sector of Geneva's economy? The entire industry is asking itself this question.

For Holmes Place Geneva

Blaise Languin

Radiolac

TDG

RTS