Benefit Systems has already opened clubs in the Czech Republic
Benefit Systems, the creator of the MultiSport Programme, which owns fitness clubs on four markets, has already opened its facilities in the Czech Republic. As in the United States, sports clubs are reopened at the initial stage of defrosting the economy there. All Czech clubs belonging to Benefit Systems resumed their operations in compliance with sanitary requirements introduced by the local government.
– The opening of fitness clubs in the Czech Republic took place almost two weeks earlier than originally announced, but we were prepared for this. Importantly, despite the restrictions introduced, places for classes for the whole week were reserved in the first hours of opening. This is a very good sign showing that the demand for physical activity after the closing period is high and optimistic for other markets. From our perspective, however, reopening fitness clubs in Poland is crucial, as this is our most important market. We hope it will happen soon. As an industry, we are observing other countries and guidelines introduced there and we are meticulously preparing to open our facilities in Poland, taking into account the requirements to ensure the safety of exercisers – comments Jolanta Jędrysek, press officer at Benefit Systems.
According to the restrictions imposed in the Czech Republic, all employees and exercisers in fitness clubs must wear gloves and masks. They also have to use disinfectant fluids before entering and upon leaving the facility. In addition, all equipment is disinfected before and after use. Rooms are also disinfected after each class. In clubs a distance of minimum 2 square meters between people who exercise must be maintained and only 1 person may stay in the space of 10 square meters. Currently, a maximum of 8 people can participate in group classes, and after the training the used equipment is disinfected. Exercisers cannot use cloakrooms, showers, and saunas now. They come with small bags in which they bring water, a towel and a spare pair of shoes.
The Benefit Systems Group currently has 25 own clubs outside of Poland: 15 in the Czech Republic, 9 in Bulgaria and 1 in Slovakia. All these markets have been closed due to the pandemic. Clubs in the Czech Republic were the first to be reopened. For the listed company opening of the Polish market is most important as Benefit Systems has a total of 163 own clubs here. It is also the organiser of the MultiSport Programme which was used by 1,177,500 people in Poland and 371,400 people abroad in the first quarter of this year.
– We are observing other countries and we know that the United States has planned the opening of sports facilities in the first phase of defrosting the economy. Georgia was the first state to do so. Clubs in the Czech Republic are already operating. Therefore, we hope that following the example of others, Poland will reopen sports facilities earlier, i.e. in the third stage. This will have a positive impact on the health of the entire society, strengthening immunity of exercising people and rebuilding mental balance, which we need so much during the isolation period and after the lockdown – adds Jolanta Jędrysek.
Regular physical activity has a positive effect on health and physical condition, reduces stress and improves mood. It also helps in the fight against many diseases of affluence. According to the “Assessment of social benefits of investment in sport in relation to the costs incurred” report, lack of physical activity negatively affects not only the quality of life, but also the state budget – in Poland, the cost of physical inactivity of the society amounts to about PLN 7 billion a year.
Benefit Systems S.A. has been operating on the Polish market since 2001. The company created the MultiSport sports and recreation programme, which supports an active and healthy lifestyle of its users. Sports cards provide access to more than 4,600 sports and recreation facilities in over 650 cities throughout the country. The Company’s sports offer is also successfully implemented in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Greece. An important area of Benefit Systems activities is promoting an active lifestyle at every stage of life, which is why the Company undertakes initiatives to encourage physical activity among children, adults, and seniors.
