Let our fitness studios help with the fight against COVID-19.

We are all facing unprecedented times. As the US has shut down businesses across the country in response to the threat of COVID-19, millions of American have lost their jobs and it's only a matter of time for millions more. After a successful state-wide quarantine and a flattened curve, many people are starting to go about their normal lives, albeit with extra precautions, as we approach Phase 1 of the reopening of Virginia. While big box stores with thousands of daily customers and other brick-and-mortar retail stores were able to remain open throughout this time, Governor Northam announced in his last update to the commonwealth (on Friday, 5/8/20) that many businesses and places of worship that had been closed would be allowed to start operating at some capacity during Phase 1. Many business owners, managers, employees, and members in the health and fitness community were left speechless, however, when it was announced that gyms would not be allowed to open during this time. Prior updates and correspondence led us to believe that gyms and fitness centers would be included in Phase 1 of the reopening process. We believe that this is both unwise and unjust. Citizens can still visit the ABC store for a bottle of liquor or visit Walmart with hundreds of other people to buy countless nonessential items, but they cannot train at a gym, a place to improve one's physical and mental wellbeing that deploys strict cleaning and sanitation protocols.

We the gym owners, managers, members, and concerned citizens formally believe that gyms and fitness centers should be allowed to open as soon as possible for the following reasons:

Physical fitness is ESSENTIAL. Per the CDC website, obesity, heart problems, and diabetes are all conditions that can severely increase one's risk of COVID-19 complications. In addition, gyms promote healthy cultures and communities that support health and fitness. This works to reduce preventable diseases and other complications, thus reducing unnecessary hospital visits and freeing up medical resources for those fighting against the virus.

Mental health is ESSENTIAL. Exercise has benefits far beyond just physical fitness. It has been proven to reduce and assist with a multitude of mental conditions such as anxiety, stress, PTSD, ADHD, trauma, addiction, and much more. Gyms are not just a place for recreational activity but a safe place for therapy.
Gyms are ESSENTIAL. Our state has approximately 8.5 million residents. The national average shows 14% of the population belongs to a fitness studio. That equates to over a million Virginia citizens who rely on gyms and fitness studios for some sort of physical or mental benefit. While some may argue exercise can be done at home or outside, it does not suit us all. Many do not have the ability or finances to purchase the equipment needed, the weather outside can often be a limiting factor, many still require guidance of a trainer, and still others must train during the early morning or late evening hours in the dark.
Gyms are CLEAN. We take the sanitation of our space and equipment very seriously. Many retail outlets host thousands of daily visitors who touch items throughout the stores, have a very small staff to customer ratio, and have no way to deploy sanitation and social distancing protocols as effectively as we can.
Gym owners and managers are suffering. The financial impact to owners is the same strain that the whole nation is facing. With the continued delays in allowing gyms to open, many small, mid, and large companies have closed or are on the brink of closure. Many have obtained PPP loans, but many of the forgivable portions are now in jeopardy due to the delayed opening. Others have received little to no financial aid at all for various reasons.

Many of us were preparing to open May 15 due to the information given in previous announcements. Blindsiding the fitness community with the changes to the Phase 1 plan with only a week to go is not only challenging to the gyms and fitness centers but also insensitive. Weeks of work from ourselves and staff were spent formulating plans to reopen and ensure we were doing what was best for our businesses and the safety of our communities. We had begun the steps to reopen only to have the date changed for a third time. This moving target is unreasonable and unfair and is doing even more harm to our community. 

We as owners, managers, and members are prepared to implement more strict precautions and cleaning measures for the safety and health of all who enter the facilities. These could include but are not limited to:

1. A front desk check-in station with clear guidelines published for all members to acknowledge and agree to.

2. A verification that all visitors are not currently feeling ill, nor have they recently traveled or been around anyone who has traveled to a known hot-spot.

3. Strict hand-sanitizing policies requiring visitors to wash their hands before and after their workouts.

4. Social distancing requirements with no contact between members and staff.

5. The use of a face mask in common areas (not required during exercise, as it could lead to other complications).

6. The thorough wipe down of equipment before and after use with provided CDC recommended disinfectants.

7. For classes and group training: the allocation of sufficient time to sanitize between groups and ensuring proper spacing.

The gyms and fitness studios must be allowed to operate. We understand there may be phases and, because these facilities vary in size and type, we believe it would be fair to operate at 50% of the allowable building capacity to start. Most fire codes allow for roughly 50 square feet per patron. Doubling this would allow each member 100 square feet, or a 10' x 10' area to train. An option like this would allow many of us to sustain business, maintain social distancing, and better serve the thousands of members who have been begging for us to open.

We are the commercial gyms, boutique gyms, crossfit gyms, cycling studios, martial arts studios, gymnastics gyms, personal trainers, yoga studios, athletic clubs, and the blue & white collared citizens of Virginia. And we are essential.

We implore you to let us open our gyms and fitness centers when Phase 1 begins on May 15th.

Sincerely,

The Fitness Studio owners, employees, and members.