Fitness training slots to be abolished | as of 10.07.2023

--- Für Deutsch, klicke bitte hier ---

The individual fitness training slots have not proved successful and will be abolished as of 10.07.2023. In the future, members who want to work out in the fitness training facilities will no longer have to book slots in advance. The same applies to members who exercise independently in the sports halls or only use the locker rooms. For the rest of the sports program, nothing will change; all other ASVZ activities will continue to require booking. Check-in and presentation of a valid ASVZ membership at the check-in terminal will also continue to be required for admission to the sports facilities. This applies to all ASVZ members without exception, including those who come to the fitness training facilities or other sports facilities for independent training or just use the locker rooms.

For years, the most frequent criticism of the ASVZ has been the same: too crowded, too many people, too much waiting for training equipment. During the pandemic, the ASVZ had to limit its maximum occupancy by official decree. Suddenly, athletes had more space, didn't have to wait in line to access equipment, and could complete their workouts efficiently. Having more space was something many members appreciated.

When the last Covid measures were lifted, the ASVZ was allowed to open to its previous capacity again. But it was hard to imagine a return to overcrowded workouts. Many members came forward wishing to be able to maintain the new, improved training quality. Therefore, while returning to normal sports operations, we maintained a sensible limit for the guided sports activities as well as the fitness training slots. It was never our intention to create unnecessary barriers or cause frustration. Rather, we wanted to offer an efficient training operation with the opportunity for high-quality workouts; whoever booked a slot should be able to enjoy enough space and an agreeable, efficient workout.

Member frustration no longer sustainable
Experience has shown that sticking to the fitness training slots has not worked out. Too many members feel restricted and patronized by the slot booking requirement. We regret this because we want all members to feel comfortable with us. Moreover, the difficulties regarding the fitness training slots increasingly had negative effects on our sports operations as a whole. For this reason, the slot limitation and booking requirement for all individual training will be lifted on 10.07.2023.

As a result, the fitness rooms will in future most likely be a bit more crowded during rush hours than they are today. In order for everyone to enjoy their workout, we appeal to everyone to practice fair play and follow our fitness room Dos and Don’ts. For those who prefer working out in a less crowded fitness room, we recommend avoiding the rush hours at noon and especially in the evening and/or switching to other sports facilities such as the Sport Center Fluntern. The ASVZ is also continuing to expand its sports operations. The attractive new Sport Center Gloriarank has recently been opened in the immediate vicinity of the Polyterrasse, the Sport Center Irchel will stay open on weekends as of the 2023 autumn semester, and the new Irchel-West sports facility will open in the 2024 autumn semester.

Booking still required for remaining sports activities, new cancellation deadline 60 minutes before the start
The remaining sports program including guided sports activities such as classes, courses and camps is not affected by the current changes to the booking requirements. Those who wish to participate in guided activities must still book a slot in advance and cancel their booking within the deadline if they are unable to attend. The 15-minute cancellation deadline has proven to be too short and will now be set to 60 minutes before the start of the activity. This means that there is almost always enough time to cancel a booking if necessary, and interested parties have the opportunity to book slots that become free. Exceptions to the booking cancellation deadline are still possible, especially for early-morning activities, outdoor activities and outdoor facilities. The cancellation deadline for each activity can be found on the detailed activity information page. The reasons why the booking system and space limitations will be kept in place are, firstly, because they are necessary to ensure a good-quality implementation of guided sports activities and, secondly, because some disciplines have constraints regarding space and equipment.

Check-in still required, including for individual fitness training
Participants are still required to show their valid ASVZ membership at the check-in terminal. This applies without exception to all ASVZ members, including those coming for individual fitness training and users of the free sports facilities or locker rooms. There is no longer a limit to the time members can spend in the ASVZ facilities; admission to the sport centers is possible at any time within the open hours with a valid membership.

Furthermore, the mass sports operations of the ASVZ with its 80,000 members can only function if all members in all the disciplines observe the fair play principles and house rules.