Iron House Fitness, is a small boutique gym located in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. We were ordered to close our doors on March 16th, 2020. Though COVID-19 has affected each and every person differently, as a small business owner I have been living day-to-day not knowing when my small business will be able to open its doors again. I write this letter because I feel that in this crucial time it is important to, “think of the little guys”.

Fitness centers are being overlooked in regards to our ability to open safely. Gyms around the state are not one size fits all. Iron House is already a small training gym, operating in small group training standards of 3-5 people. Opening today may not be realistic but it could be open in the near future with the correct contingency planning, which I have been working on since our closing. As Phase 1 begins, we feel even more left in the dark due to the choices of businesses that are allowed to be open. If it's safe to get your haircut while the hairdresser is not six feet apart from you, how can it not be safe to work out in a small group, social distancing in place and outside of our facility?

Small boutique gyms need to be thought of at this time. Not just for the struggling small businesses owners but, for the health and happiness of our members. It is our mission to make sure that our community members stay healthy even with current events at hand. Exercise is essential for the physical and mental health of our community. Many articles also touch on how regular exercise can aid in reducing the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is the leading cause of death from COVID-19.

Please sign if you agree and want to get back into the gyms:)

Thank you!

Iron House Fitness