If you haven’t ventured into a gym since before the pandemic, you may find yourself skeptical on whether it is safe to do so. From the moment I first entered the Upper Valley Aquatic Center, I was struck by the friendly professionalism of the staff. Upon entering you will be asked by the front desk if you’re experiencing any Covid-related symptoms and a quick face and wrist scan will take your temperature.

There is a building-wide mask requirement: you must be masked at all times, everywhere—the locker rooms, pool deck, water aerobics, fitness center, and indoor cycling studio. The only time mask removal is approved is if you are putting your face in the water for lap swimming. Once out of the water and on the pool deck, you must promptly re-mask.

UVAC is limiting the number of people in the building at any given time: to enter and use any part of the facility, advanced reservations are required online. The website is simple, straightforward, and easy to use. If you have any difficulty making a reservation, you can call the front desk 802-296-2850 ex 0 and they will make a reservation for you or instruct you on how to do so via the website.

There are hand sanitizing stations, social distancing delineations, and cleaning spray bottles throughout the facility—members are encouraged on an honor system to spray down any and all equipment they use including dumbbells, treadmills, and stationary bikes. Most members are conscientious at adhering to the guidelines. The check-in and reservation systems that the facility has in place serve as a type of contact tracing. The senior staff is quick to shut down the center and do a deep clean when and if a member tests positive for the virus or if any threat of transmission occurs.

If you are considering joining a gym and staying active in the winter months, rest assured that the Upper Valley Aquatic Center staff are doing all that they can to offer consistent programing and are maintaining a clean, masked, socially-distanced, yet welcoming environment.

For a full list of protocols at UVAC go here.