Masks Required at Fulcrum Fitness
Updated July 28th, 2022: With a continued increase in transmission of COVID-19 in our county and community we are continuing to required masks for all indoor classes. Please check back monthly for the latest update.
Updated June 28th, 2022:
Mask Requirement Q&A
Thank you to everyone who has reached out and shared their thoughts and experience with us. We’ve taken some commonly asked questions and answered them below. Please feel free to continue reaching out using the chat box provided for direct contact with us!
Q: If masks are not mandated by a Portland governing body, why is Fulcrum requiring them?
A: This is a great question. Our team is disappointed that more consistent leadership has not been provided at federal, state or local levels, placing the burden on small businesses such as ourselves to make these kinds of decisions.
We are making this choice based on many points but here are our main three.
The rate of transmission has not decreased significantly in Portland, Oregon state, or county wide. We will continue to monitor the dashboards provided on a monthly basis.
Gyms do pose a heightened risk of transmission due to close quarters and heavy breathing. We take that risk seriously and do all we can to help minimize it, including wearing masks.
We strongly respect everyone’s right to privacy on this matter, but broadly speaking we have seen a first hand increase of COVID cases in clients and staff. That increase is with our most conservative protocols in place. It is a very real possibility that if we lift our mask policy we will not have enough healthy staff members to service our regular class schedule.
Q: Are you making efforts to provide air circulation?
A: Yes! Each location has been updated with air filtration in our main vents. In addition we try to use open doors and fans whenever possible. Note: For our early AM class at Hawthorne we also have to be mindful of our noise level in the neighborhood so the doors are partially closed.
See more about the MLK filtration system here: https://iwaveair.com/
Q: Will this policy continue to change?
A: Yes. There have been many twists and turns over the past two years, and our ability to be flexible has kept our community healthy and strong. So we will continue to adjust our policies as needed based on the information available.
Q: Why can’t people choose to wear a mask or not?
A: That’s a great question. While KN95 and N95 masks do provide some protection for the wearer, it’s not 100%, and paper/surgical masks do not provide protection for the wearer. What all approved masks can do is protect other people against catching COVID from you. In other words, we are wearing masks to protect each other, not solely ourselves.
Q: Isn’t COVID-19 endemic now?
A: Many people are optimistic that COVID-19 will become endemic, allowing us to treat it like a typical flu season. However this classification has not been given to COVID-19 at this time. Learn more about endemic diseases here.
Updated June 23rd, 2022: We understand that there aren’t clear county recommendations on mask usage during this confusing time. After much thought and input from our community, we have decided to continue requiring masks at all indoor gym locations, with continued monthly reevaluations. Please revisit our reminders on mask requirements below.
Since lifting our mask requirement in accordance with Multnomah County recommendations we have been closely monitoring updates. Each week our team has reviewed dashboards, news, and recommendations, to ensure the continued safety of our community.
May 12th, Multnomah County released the “strong recommendation” that individuals wear masks while in groups indoors, due to the rise in transmission. It is expected that this increase in transmission will peak in one month.
Based on this information Fulcrum Fitness will require masks for all indoor training sessions starting Saturday 5/21 and continuing until further notice. We will either update or extend this policy by Saturday 6/25 based on information available at that time.
A few reminders about mask requirements
N95, paper, or multilayered cloth masks are required. Gators, bandanas, or single layer cloth are not acceptable. Each location will have free paper masks available for use.
Please wear your masks at all times in the gym. If you need a mask, please wait outside for your trainer to provide it prior to entering the gym.
Be mindful of others. Keep water breaks quick, and take longer breaks outside when needed.
Take your time adjusting. We all know it takes a little time to get used to working out in a mask again. So take it easy to start, especially on HIIT or conditioning days.
Hawthorne Outdoor Platform
We are not requiring masks on the Hawthorne outdoor platform.
The platform will have a set capacity of 3-6 clients depending on weather conditions.
Please avoid working out on the sidewalk. We understand it is tempting, however your Fitpro will ask you to either move into the gym or onto the platform.
We understand this isn’t exciting news to hear. It has been amazing for all of us to see each other fully, many for the first time. However we all know a little discomfort can pay off long term. Just like pushing yourself to do an extra rep, or showing up to session on a tough day, making that extra effort does have an effect. For you, your fellow members, and your trainers. We cannot thank you enough for your positivity and cooperation during these times.
If you have any thoughts or questions on this update we would like to hear it! Please use this anonymous form. If you’d like a response from our team please include your name and email in your message.
Keep kicking ass,
The Fulcrum Fitness Team
