Saskatoon gym to introduce fob feature to help with vaccination screening

With proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test required at various non-essential businesses beginning Friday, Anytime Fitness is developing its own means of vaccination confirmation.

Steven Lam, owner of Anytime Fitness located in University Heights as well as the future Stonebridge location, said an app system is in development by the company that will provide an easy option for entry to vaccinated members.

The system will install a toggle feature on the keyfobs used by members to gain access to the building. Members of Anytime Fitness facilities will need to provide proof of vaccination to the facility to have their vaccination status noted and access privileges granted to their entry key.

Lam said most of the members at his location have already sent in their immunization proof. Many are already vaccinated, partially vaccinated or pending vaccination.

“We’ve been working diligently with our members to collect that information and put that onto the system,” he said.

The facility’s office is near the entrance to the facility and has an open-door policy, Lam said. Anyone entering the club is greeted by staff and nearly all members are familiar on a first-name basis.

“We pride ourselves on engagement and support for our members,” Lam said.

However, unvaccinated members will have to enter the building when a staff member is able to approve entry based on a negative COVID test.

Lam said Anytime Fitness will accept proof of a negative COVID test and can accept immunization proof in person during staff hours to allow a member entry to the facilities.

“Unvaccinated members who have a key fob, when the toggle system’s on, they won’t be able to access the club,” Lam explained.

Testing positive for proof of vaccination

Lam believes health and fitness are perhaps more top of mind for many people today than in past years. He said his gyms have not had any cases of COVID-19 since they reopened.

When the Saskatchewan government announced two weeks ago that proof of vaccination was going to be required at various businesses, including fitness centres, Lam said Anytime Fitness didn’t even need to reach out to its members.

“Our active members were, right away, sending us emails or messaging us through Instagram or Facebook or calling us at the office,” Lam said.

The common question was what the best way was to relay proof of vaccination to the fitness centre to ensure their status would read “vaccinated” on Oct. 1.

The changes have made for a busy couple of weeks as the fitness facility ramps up for Friday’s deadline.

“We’ve been doing that every single day and compiling a list of all our members, making sure that status is up to date,” Lam said.