It has been two months since ActiveSG gyms re-opened their doors to the public…

And yet it’s still irrationally difficult to get a time-friendly slot in most outlets.

Truly, it’s the worst nightmare for all F2P gym-goers.

But here’s the thing. Why exactly is it so difficult to procure a slot…

When it’s supposed to be… well… a public gym?

2 Months of Phase 2 & It’s Still Almost Impossible to Book a Gym Slot in ActiveSG Gyms

For some users, only out-of-the-way timings – including the 11:00 p.m. time slot – are available for booking.

And others have expressed how they have to book as early as one week in advance, just to get a slot at a favourable timing.

Which begets the question;

Just why is it so hard to procure a slot at a self-professed public gym?

Well, as it turns out, it has more to do with the stringent measures adopted, than the Coronavirus itself.

According to sources, ActiveSG public sports facilities have implemented booking systems and designated usage periods to curb crowding, as Singapore enters phase 2 of its reopening.

Gyms, for one, have been adjusted to restrict users to just 90 mins of usage at any one time.

Capacity has also been capped at 50, in adherence to the “one person per 10 square metres” maximum number of persons rule.

Additionally, gym equipment has been spread out, with at least two metres of spacing between each apparatus.

Doesn’t exactly help that certain gyms, such as Clementi, Delta, Hougang, Jurong West, Pasir Ris, Sengkang, Senja Cashew, remained closed at the start of Phase 2 either, whether it’s due to renovation or because they were used as temporary dormitories to accept foreign workers.

But to be fair, counteracting measures to the aforementioned countermeasures have also been set in place. To accommodate the new measures, operating hours have been extended to 12:30 a.m. for all gyms, except for Toa Payoh West CC Gym, Ang Mo Kio CC Gym and Enabling Village Gym.

Though with all things considered, it’s still a tad bit late for some.