maximum occupancy of a gym

This leads to build-up, frequently around the equipment, and the perception of overcrowding.. I've read that you can use 50 Gross for "Participation Sport" but can that be justified since it is not in the table? Make sure you have your new customer journey or onboarding process detailed accurately. It is vital that you try to keep them motivated. R+H&73k*xO'G`R'6![0"K0"_F pZB^*H@'tm2sB$G#:H ^ZzE\-e464a*{$U(+olT;$i\6}tG`LLJhm)#Wn#%CI1N&ehl+3+*,_IESaL)eiP:#:b:f4 $SDU0 ,eG&qDj#+-, 2S:e##Y6x7/+w6uK8Ln[2 {3[X5T0Q@4/*$5q]}(0%yL &5m1(WrlQ*B*UpH.J0 We capitalized on virtual classes, and scheduled more 30-minute classes, more frequently, and created a high perception of value around them. The Midtown Athletic Club Privacy|Terms & ConditionsCopyright 2019 Active Wellness, LLC. stream Understanding the basics of capacity management'Value = Utility - Price'can put your club ahead of the curb. The sports area in question will have a basketball court, baseball field/soccer field combined, three batting cages and an open space for exercise/work out equipment. They can offer valuable advice and suggestions on the arrangement of the interior of the fitness center, and this knowledge will be useful as the design is drafted.Designing a fitness center for your residential community begins with the size of the space. The following agencies and organizations have developed codes and standards affecting the design of physical fitness spaces types. Salmons studies, based on New Zealand facilities, but familiar to club operators nearly everywhere, pinpointed some of those perceptions. Xr ByGAzPBYq>uY|~M#cA>hMoj :x{68'0HY.#+NM @iDMRsXCRWP>6JyuoeY. The NFPA requires the following: Established occupant loads should be posted prominently to ensure that not only the owner, but also the manager, operator, and occupants, are aware of the limitations. Potentially dangerous machines activities, such as cardiovascular machines or climbing walls, should be in view of anyone sitting at the lobby area, also called the control desk. Disclaimer, Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS), Americans with Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities, Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition, Exercise and Disability: Resources for Accessible Gym Equipment, Energy-Efficient Products and Technologies. The facility will be a 180' x 300' (54,000 s.f.) You must log in or register to reply here. Measure the width and length of the room in feet to calculate the area of the room. Mar 6, 2014. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Like Earney, Anastasia Yusina, the CEO of Fitness Development LLC, a Moscow-based holding company, makes efficient use of staggered classes, and points out that the practice also minimizes locker room gridlock. While an occasional waiting list can indicate popularity of a class, a permanent one means you're not offering enough to satisfy your member's needs. And we carried through with the clubs personal trainers, teaching them how to program workouts to take up less space on the floor.. . This will likely be a cause for frustration, dwindling motivation and potential membership cancellations in the future. The amount of space required per person varies based on the function of the room, which is determined by the buildings designer. [F] 307.1 High-hazard Group H. High-hazard Group H occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, that involves the manufacturing, processing, generation or storage of materials that constitute a physical or health hazard in quantities in excess of those allowed in control areas complying with Section 414, based on the maximum allowable quantity . Review your class schedule and operate a reserve list. 2 0 obj Small group sessions can help tackle capacity issues in three different ways. We also focused on our gym floor layout, mapping it in a way that made it possible to accommodate more people at any one time, she says. To exceed occupancy load or fail to post-occupancy load signs in the required places can result in fines and is a serious safety hazard. How many 'people' would be considered spectators? The residential occupancy group in the IBC consists of four different categories: R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4. The occupancy factor for this type of event will depend on the number of seats available). endobj Each gym is unique, and "full capacity" will feel different to each gym, meaning you have a strategy for objectively assessing the current level of your member's happiness if you want them to continue choosing your facility over others. They may diverge considerably from the numbers above. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 17 0 R 18 0 R 19 0 R 25 0 R 26 0 R 33 0 R 34 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> 2.2. Table and chair seating: 15 sq. Rewarding them for bringing a friend in during the new year can also be a great peace keeper, as they are part of the reason the gym suddenly seems busier than a month ago. Calculating occupant load can be thought of in three steps: Select an occupant load factor Determine the size of the room Apply the occupant load factor to the space There is a common misconception that the calculated occupant load is the maximum number of occupants the space can contain. vRQ`)G3)k yn1:s*a!OP,MI*-~5u|/x11gL,9. A room or space used for assembly purposes that is less than 750 square feet in area and accessory to . Copyright var today=new Date() For GSA, the unit costs for physical fitness space types are based on the construction quality and design features in the following table. Is the sign present? Physical fitness space design must take into consideration the aesthetics of the intended groups it will serve. Fitness space types do not include: high bay court games (basketball, racquetball), saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, swimming pools, food preparation, and service or sporting goods retail. However, complaints may still come, which is why we recommend you spend extra time and care on the following points. Scottish Police Recreation Association - Gartcosh, University of the West of Scotland - Hamilton Campus, Dundee and Angus College - Gardyne Campus, Midlothian Council - Loanhead Leisure Centre, Midlothian Council - Newbattle Community Centre, 5 Tips to Keep New Gym Members Engaged Beyond February, 5 Tips To Get Your Gym Ready For The January Rush, Read: How to Structure a Rig Based Functional Class, Top 5 Gym Accessories to Refresh Regularly. Youre invited to meet our team, connect with us on LinkedIn, subscribe to the Active blog, and contact us directly. A basic fitness center, including rooms free weights, treadmills, stationary bicycles, as well as restrooms, showers, and lockers, can fit into as little as 6,000 square feet. Of those four reasons, we can only influence two, he says. Craig R. Waters. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. But for the club member, they're impossible to ignore . 2023 Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association. """, You can also post the floor plan with dimenions and we can give you an opinion of what it should be, each batting cage has an occupant load of 1 or there will be problems. businesses that offer fitness classes and activities, must follow the criteria listed below. The clubs parking lot is full. The maximum occupancy of each gym should be limited by providing a minimum of 100sqft per person. Has the sign been maintained? Is the sign clear and legible? These numbers will help you not only to build a fitness center that is the right size but also to choose the right types and amounts of equipment to put in. %QRF|aq|$$Q8SQdqFpb 7.]ap|I4Os>}%] 'iei+K(ZBP!ByEM.D*2afjTey3VIZi# Q@h Also included are toilets, office, and general storage normally found in a Physical Fitness (Exercise Room) space to meet codes, standards, and regulations. It is the responsibility of the buildings owner to make sure that the sign is not damaged by wear or abuse. Innovative Solutions for the Built Environment 2 0 obj And the wonder drug, in this case, is a strategy known as capacity management. 1 m2= 10.764 ft2 1 ft2= 0.0929 m2 Note!- be aware of local restrictions, codes and their minimum values. Other machines will allow two or more members to train at once, so take this in to consideration.) Responsible Parties must ensure that capacity within the gym or fitness center is limited to no more than 50% of the maximum occupancy for a particular area as set by the certificate of occupancy at any given time, inclusive of employees and patrons, both of whom must only be permitted entry into the gym or fitness center if they: University practice facility (football, lacrosse, etc). (In the above example, a "breakeven class" is no less than 12 attendees.). Where a sign or other obstruction is mounted between posts or pylons and the clear distance between the posts or pylons is greater than 12 inches (305 mm), the lowest edge of such sign or obstruction shall be 27 inches (686 mm) maximum or 80 inches (2032 mm) minimum above the finished floor or ground. % The occupant load factor is based on function. For example you may have a huge gym with many stations and lots of free space, yet only have one changing room or bathroom. The Physical Fitness (Exercise Room) space types provide a comprehensive, varied program of physical activities to meet the individual training regimens of its occupants. Which Strategic School of Thought is Right for Your Health Club? stream Of that number, 55% faulted the cardio area, usually because of a shortage of treadmills; 47% blamed group fitness, because of a shortage of the most popular programs; and 38% indicted the gym floor, because of limited free-weight space and the presence of large-footprint, single-purpose strength machines. 3 0 obj No, we didn't try to shut it down. Do they have bleachers or some type of other seating??? ?t*\5^uJ,E\W>[d`dabEr]Q:" .O vs04U i,}U_QGx}M9=[8-H~ Typical Maximum Floor Area Allowances Per Occupant, Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association, Courtrooms other than fixed seating areas, Accessory storage areas, mechanical equipment room. The building is only an indoor sports complex (not part of a school). Table 1004.1.2 displays the occupant load factor based on the function or use of a space or room. The first step is making sure that your gym is open for the maximum amount of time still viable for you as a business owner, accommodating as many members as possible. What "Floor Area Per Occupant" should I use? P([]N_J@X!Mj-F}@)q(%| '1%:$@O9A;*qwy|q)S~-7lq7g0y occupancy under 33% of maximum capacity of the space. Note that the codes and standards are minimum requirements. By combining this metric with a clubs hourly attendance data, he can identify when the club is breaching the capacity red line. National Institute of Building Sciences Note that it is NOT based on the occupancy group classification. *YOU WILL INCREASE ATTENDANCE! Depending on how one calculates, its either the third- or first-most important contributor to attrition. The maximum is 50 per foot of exit. clear span metal building used for indoor sports activities such as a soccer field. All rights reserved. This visual requirement will define the interior space, so it is very important to keep in mind as you plan. Continuing to delve, Salmon compared club attendance to member satisfaction figures and then attendance to attrition figures. Knowing how much room is enough for particular parts of the development is vital, and an error of too much or too little could result in loss of construction time, loss of clientele and, perhaps most important, loss of money.So before you begin to develop a fitness center in your community, you need to answer this question: how much space is needed for a fitness center?Consider the Size of the CommunityThe number of residents in your community comes into play when planning the size of a fitness center. ft. expertise based on your fitness center needs. The chart provided in Table D-1 indicates the required number of square feet per occupant. SECTION302 The additional benefit of this, is that class attendees and other gym users will be exposed to a variety of circuits, functional and bodyweight movements that may then encourage non-machine based training in the future. endobj by the National Institute of Building Sciences. The sign shall be posted not more than 60 inches nor less than 48 inches above the floor. As a result of the ever-increasing popularity of recreation, the facility was expanded by 26,000 square feet in 2010. Firstly, at busier times group sessions around functional rigs or open gym spaces can draw some members away from cardio and resistance zones - opening up extra stations for other users outwith the class. The underlying cause, the condition creating all of these symptoms, is overcrowding. Typical features of physical fitness space types include the list of applicable design objectives elements as outlined below. Thanks for your thoughts. 3 0 obj azvnvj"?W%O>bv*Q xjTbD ^NPeO.IzZz;%DK{}?k&f$3rt{0_6|P!,H6 +zQ7VC2q&SZ#{wXFdpl1ZfW|'~+`W#(-m4c$~s#|W)H The provisions of this chapter shall control the classification of all buildings and structures as to occupancy and use. | The closest one is Assembly Standing Space but that would give me an occupant load of 10,800, using 5 net per s.f., which is absurd. The facility will be a 180' x 300' (54,000 s.f.) Understanding the basics of capacity managementValue = Utility Pricecan put your club ahead of the curb. You need to look at worst case scenario. zY]BD//U[&:,}us7tDE]2;D+nV2 ]HloEd:.`ufP~EGvd(Hu ?O3t&x~?`Z*@= z$!vb%MX7^8d*gmed6r@:u SpIyzE@B;fce?\Rl;Vr3t W"S We use cookies to give you the best online experience. This article appeared in the print edition of Club Business International in April 2019. If its not, more people lean toward DIY (do-it-yourself) fitness, and clubs can provide but a limited number of benches and cardio units. In this article, we've outlined some of the key indicators that your gym may be reaching full capacity, and three strategies to help your business cope with the numbers, without compromising on your member's experience. A gym reaches full capacity when it has registered the maximum amount of members while still operating smoothly, with high member satisfaction. Consequently, a dorm room that has 100 square feet of floor space will have a maximum occupancy of two people. Gross vs. net areas The pricing information in Profiles of Success can serve as a guide when developing your own clubs pricing strategy. <> endobj mG2 )@d2 onX @yq. %PDF-1.7 The 2018 IBC requires the following: Every room or space that is an assembly occupancy shall have the occupant load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or space. I know this is an older thread but I have a questions regarding Indoor Sports Facility Occupancy or in my case an Indoor Practice Facility. Welcome letters, calls and texts are a great way to create a welcoming feeling and catch up with them outside of the gym. Certificate of Occupancy (CO) x=ksF]/[EnE lT'q[gDBE2$e[{ Q$====r}{UOWu=i~|X4YN?_M=mgg7/_K)^f+3"r^fs6{[}zd/e+}N]^(kU_|(3/_|_w_id.>7\"syQXcJ3*cYQQ}  X.}a2 $R4DG'y10E_G #t~x3 RDmd*-NLJJpSo6`ydk\5C? OxqL9{2&lH( 5*WU!_OZee`&|,FsCMwOoq96-BQ\0. Climbing walls may reopen. Les Mills Newmarket utilized a variety of tactics when it zeroed in on capacity management. Offering early morning classes can capture those looking for a hit before they head in to work, while lunchtime classes are great for members who look to get away from their job for an hour. chain, headquartered in Chicago, is certainly no stranger to enthusiastic crowds and has had to cap memberships and begin compiling waiting lists. What we found at Les Mills was that by focusing strongly on improving capacity management we were able to serve more people more often throughout the day.. Certificate of Occupancy (CO) Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is a document stating that a building is approved for occupancy. Additional recommendations can be drawn from the Houston Fire Code, which requires that occupancy load signs be placed in the following manner: The sign shall be located in a conspicuous location within the room, adjacent to the main exit, so as to not be obstructed by doors, curtains, poster board stands, furniture, room dividers, or similar items. Waiting, queuing areas - 5 sq. We cant change a clubs location or someones financial situation. endobj ft. per person (gross area). 2023 PR Fitness Equipment. <> 2 0 obj Tempt members to use the club during quieter shoulder times by offering them rock-star trainers and programs. V {ymsG]=k|?".zTq6K`75w(+Jn0EjBS30,8vy];CHU\6ve/4B(LctfEI[D "1lQoPFs| <> When George W. was here, twice, they packed around 10K in there. The IHRSA European Congress returns this October 17-19 in Lisbon, Portugal! Combine this with off-peak rates membership offer to attract members who use the gym during lulls, and keep them there. The recreation area features: 2 weight training areas Cardio deck 3 basketball/volleyball courts 2 fitness studios 25-yard pool It may not display this or other websites correctly. Privacy Policy, When Passion Meets Practicality: From Roadblocks to Fitness Success. ft. per person (net area). Subtract this value from the area of the room to get an approximation of the floor space that is available for occupancy. All rights reserved. You are using an out of date browser. One major problem is secondary uses. Zy{(=v=Q -_ var year=today.getFullYear() Stay informed. Multiply these two values to determine the area of the room in square feet. From that, I was able to create a capacity metricthe attendance level per square foot at which member satisfaction begins to deteriorate significantly.. By employing technology and by playing to consumers value-for-money sensibility, we were able to make important improvements, says Kepple, who also is a member of IHRSAs board of directors. We can, however, influence overcrowding with better scheduling, offerings, and equipment selection.. However, in the NPFA codes and standards these are treated as individual occupancy classifications . At first glance an influx of new year's resolutions or summer-body chasing newcomers may seem like good news for your business, yet they come with hidden dangers. <> Learn how two club operators who faced location and design roadblocks managed to transform their ideas into brick-and-mortar successes. <> Indoor occupancy at gym and fitness facilities must be limited to 50% of the maximum occupancy load of the facility. In some cases, on-site heat mapping is employed to ascertain when breaching occurs. Every fitness center is different, based on the needs of the community residents and the community developers' plans. document.write(year) IHRSA. Fitness center and health club operators should also consider implementing items listed as "Best Practices/Recommendations" when appropriate and feasible. Reducing capacity in this way whilst sustaining ventilation flows, will increase the typical current 10l/s/p . Threshold Climbing and Fitness has a large facility. Left to Right: A paramill, which is a treadmill for wheelchair users, and ADA compliant rubber tile flooring, ensures that a disabled person can use the fitness center. If theyre not using it enough, they wont perceive its value. All rights reserved. A basic fitness center, including rooms free weights, treadmills, stationary bicycles, as well as restrooms, showers, and lockers, can fit into as little as 6,000 square feet. A small conversation often goes a long way to making a member feel like they are more than just a number to you. In the case of overcrowding, he says, The members perception is reality.. endobj You want to have a space large enough to serve a good number of the residents at one time while maintaining fire safety regulations. Mandatory Requirements Status Each facility must monitor visitor entries and exits, ensure social distancing, and limit occupancy at all times to the following: Central to Salmons analysis and recommendations are two key concepts: Breaches generally occur at pinch points in the club, and during traditionally high traffic times, such as the early mornings and evenings. endobj They will also find it easier to get a feel for the general atmosphere within the club if they are communicating with those using it. It is also necessary information when it comes to planning out your budget for the build.Fitness FootageEvery fitness center is different, based on the needs of the community residents and the community developers' plans. 1 0 obj Architects, engineers, and consultants should consider exceeding the applicable requirements whenever possible: WBDG is a gateway to up-to-date information on integrated 'whole building' design techniques and technologies. I would then use the same table to determine the seating area as a separate occupant calculations to determine the total occupant load of the entire structure. This is from Michael Scott Scudder on group fitness classes.First, establish your Maximum Room Capacity:Square Footage of your exercise room less 100 Divide that number by 35This number is your maximum number of participantsperclass, Example: 1500 square foot exercise room (1500 - 100 = 1400/35 = 40 - your MRC), Next, recognize that if you do not have at least 30% of your MRC in attendance in a class;you should either change instructors, change the class or cancel it outright! Seeing a suggestion turned into action makes members feel valued. But because the issue is serious, the price tag involved is relatively small, and the payoff can be significant, clubs are beginning to attend to it conscientiously, worldwide. There isn't a specific "Function" to calculate the occupant load. The International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) defines occupancy load as the number of people permitted in a building based on the means of egress. - All Rights Reserved. %PDF-1.7 It's important to consider the other factors which might limit this capacity as well. Divide the available floor space by 36 to get an approximation of the maximum occupancy of the room. All rights reserved. Though these may not fully remedy the effects of operating beyond your capacity, they may minimise member dissatisfaction while you work on resolving any bigger issues within your facility. Based on the applicant's stated use as an indoor sports facility (which is not listed in table1004.1.1) I would pick the closest listed use as "skating rinks, swimming pools with an occupant load of 50 gross (from 2006 IBC). For this figure, the area is the net useable gym space available to members to use, including changing rooms, toilet and wash facilities. another occupancy shall be classified as a Group B occupancy or as part of that occupancy. Then, depending on your facility type, multiply it by the amounts below: While every facility will have unique considerations this is a tried and tested method of estimating capacity. Calculate the area of the room 322166814/www.reference.com/Reference_Desktop_Feed_Center6_728x90, How My Regus Can Boost Your Business Productivity, How to Find the Best GE Appliances Dishwasher for Your Needs, How to Shop for Rooms to Go Bedroom Furniture, Tips to Maximize Your Corel Draw Productivity, How to Plan the Perfect Viator Tour for Every Occasion. Thanks all. Occupancy load refers to the number of people permitted in a building at one time based on the buildings floor space and function. So, if we combined I stopped using it and overcrowding, those two categories would then constitute the greatest percentage of leavers. Here's how you can too: Create "zones" within your facility. Though great customer service should always be at the forefront of your mind, it plays a particularly important role in member retention. *YOU WILL NOT LOSE MEMBERS! Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas, Click Here for Territory Contact Information, Here is a bit of fitness info that might be of interest. To calculate a room's maximum occupancy, determine factors such as the area of the room, the available space in the room, the number of useful exits and the height of the ceiling. Maximum occupancy refers to the maximum number of people permitted in a room measured per foot for each width of the exit door. 1 0 obj The Houston Fire Code requires the following: Is the sign placed in a suitable location? Often, the members that are most affected by increasing membership numbers are the long term members or 'regulars'. The following building program is representative of the Physical Fitness space type. Assembly Occupancy They are likely to get fed up with the sudden influx of new faces in classes and increased pressure on equipment availability. Calculate a basic estimation of a rooms maximum occupancy by dividing the available floor space in square feet by 36. But for the club member, theyre impossible to ignoreinsidious, annoying, and cumulative in their impact. All rights reserved. A gym reaches full capacity when it has registered the maximum amount of members while still operating smoothly, with high member satisfaction. With a variety of equipment and workout stations, as well as ample natural light coupled with light sources at the equipment, this physical fitness space offers a comprehensive set of activities in an open and flexible environment. 1 0 obj Discover how Actives services can benefit your business in your community. Maximum occupancy refers to the maximum number of people permitted in a room measured per foot for each width of the exit door. <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 29 0 R 30 0 R 31 0 R 32 0 R 33 0 R 34 0 R 35 0 R 36 0 R 37 0 R 38 0 R 39 0 R 40 0 R 41 0 R 42 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> *YOU WILL CUT COSTS! Next, count how many classes you have per weekkeep a sign-in sheet of each class (you need it for insurance liability anyway).Now, after 4 weeks of accumulated sign-in sheets, count how many attendees, divide by the total number of classes and you arrive at your Average Attendance Per Class (AAPC).Any class that has less than the AAPC in attendance over that time period should be considered for change of instructor, class venue or cancellation. Even if new members find the gym overwhelmingly busy, or struggle to get into classes, they may be persuaded to wait it out if they are personally invested in their commitment to you. 1090 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 700 | Washington, DC 20005-4950 | (202) 289-7800 Occupant loads for multipurpose rooms should be posted for each approved use, such as tables and chairs, theater seating, dancing, and so on. If you're looking to change the layout of your facility, or perhaps interested to find out more about a full gym refurbishment, you can get in touch with our team of experts who will be happy to help. x\oFn`Qp.IQ}`$f2IofAJ\G3j:zPyt| W This information is based on GSA's benchmark interpretation and could be different for other owners. You will most likely find evidence that your gym is running at (or beyond) full capacity during peak times. We all want to grow the club industry, but were limited by our locations and our bricks and mortar, which dictate how many members we can attract, serve, and retain, she says. If possible, allocate your staff with "chatting time" during which they walk around, talk to and catch up with your members. stream Carrie Kepple, the owner of Styles Studios Fitness, opening this year in Peoria, IL, learned about the consequences of overcrowding, and the need to constrain it, during the time she served as the club manager of Les Mills Newmarket, a 20,000-square-foot facility in New Zealand. Showers and locker rooms may reopen. The building authority issues the Certificate of Occupancy. The occupant load factor is the maximum floor area allowed per occupant as displayed in Table 1004.1.2. Members of the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA) can consider the following questions while they inspect load occupancy signs: Note: A posted Occupancy Load is different from the Use and Occupancy classifications established by the IBC; Use and Occupancy classifications provide design loads in pounds per square foot (PSF). The fire was so lethal because the evacuation was sluggish, partly due to the fact that the actual number of people present was much higher than the buildings occupancy load. Active Wellness, LLC. Solve Overcrowding at Your Gym with This Simple Equation. There is a different structure that is connected but fire separated (2-hours) that has the main entry, kitchen, concessions, sports equipment & clothing shop, restrooms, etc. Complete the form below and the Active Team will provide sq. You may want to up it from the 50 if you have proper exiting and such.OL shall be posted and when they want to have a concert or graduation or wrestling match or whateversomeone gets to go be the bad guy and that person's input needs to be gooten at the plan review stage IMHO. I have no problem using the OL of 50 per sq ft for other code requirements such as plumbing fixtures, ventilation etc.. A school soccer field will be use for assembly and graduation functions.

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