Reopen NYC Small Gyms & Studios in Phase 3
Reopen NYC Small Gyms & Studios in Phase 3
The Issue
Goal: To safely and lawfully reopen small gyms and studios in phase 3 of the New York Forward reopening plan
We, the New York Coalition of Gyms & Studios, join the urgent, ongoing discussion regarding the safe and lawful reopening of small gyms, fitness studios (aka micro gyms or boutique fitness studios), and similar instructor-led fitness services. Unlike large, commercial gyms, these co-op like facilities are uniquely positioned to enact appropriate measures to ensure the safety of our employees and clients. Currently, all gyms are slated for reopening in phase 4; our goal is to reopen in phase 3 statewide with the express approval of Governor Cuomo.
The foremost concern with New York local and state governments is stemming the rate of infection of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) through strict guidelines on gatherings, occupancy, and density. The efficacy of those guidelines relies primarily on business adherence and enforcement. This is precisely where small gyms and studios are able to shine. Owners and employees are one part of the equation; members and clients are another. Large, commercial gyms can reasonably expect their owners and employees to adhere to guidelines, but they cannot expect their clients to comply with equal due diligence. The vetted memberships of small gyms and studios produce members that are as invested in these gyms as much as their owners and employees and therefore just as accountable when it comes to facility stewardship.
Phase 2 is about to start in New York City. Amongst the businesses to reopen before gyms and studios are hair salons and barber shops - businesses where human contact and proximity are not only unavoidable but imperative. If the incongruous reopening of these businesses is based on economics, the impact of the fitness industry has long been overlooked. As of 2018 in the U.S., the fitness and health club industry generated $32 billion in revenue; the boutique fitness industry claimed approximately 40% of that figure, and this industry is continuing to skyrocket compared to commercial gyms. Prior to the pandemic, yoga studios were projected to bring in $11.6 billion in revenue up from $7 billion in 2012. All of this is in jeopardy now. Widespread closings are occurring and are imminent with every week that passes while their facilities remain empty.
The NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) was not created to be used for purposes of reopening businesses in an unprecedented crisis like this. However, this crude system is being used as the central tool for NY Forward's multi-phase reopening plan. We implore you to reconsider small gyms and studios as their own industry with regards to our two-fold contributions to local economies as illustrated above and the profoundly positive physical and mental impact on the communities we serve.
We understand that if we are to open in Phase 3 that we must do so in a limited capacity and with strict guidelines to keep our members, clients, and staff safe.
We propose the following:
- Restrict facility access to appointment-based training and limit occupancy to 25% capacity as dictated by fire code while increasing occupancy as phases progress
- Allow for 10-minute gaps between sessions for cleaning and to decrease congestion and density. There will be no overlap between members’ reserved time slots
- Staff to conduct regular (after each session) disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, equipment and common areas of the facility using disinfectant cleaning supplies according to CDC guidelines
- Adjust station layout and close or restrict access to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between stations. Equipment will not be shared between clients.
- Close showers, locker areas, and lockers. Members should report in a ready to train condition, previously dressed and with a labeled bottle of water and no excess belongings
- Require all employees and encourage members to wear PPE where applicable
- Keep doors and windows open where possible to improve ventilation
=============================================
Washington State's Reopening Plan for Small Gyms and Studios:
Contact list:
Governor Cuomo
https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
Mayor De Blasio
https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/mayor-contact.page
NYS Empire State Development
nys-nyc@esd.ny.gov
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer
info@manhattanbp.nyc.gov
https://www.ny.gov/new-york-state-congressional-delegation
The Issue
Goal: To safely and lawfully reopen small gyms and studios in phase 3 of the New York Forward reopening plan
We, the New York Coalition of Gyms & Studios, join the urgent, ongoing discussion regarding the safe and lawful reopening of small gyms, fitness studios (aka micro gyms or boutique fitness studios), and similar instructor-led fitness services. Unlike large, commercial gyms, these co-op like facilities are uniquely positioned to enact appropriate measures to ensure the safety of our employees and clients. Currently, all gyms are slated for reopening in phase 4; our goal is to reopen in phase 3 statewide with the express approval of Governor Cuomo.
The foremost concern with New York local and state governments is stemming the rate of infection of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) through strict guidelines on gatherings, occupancy, and density. The efficacy of those guidelines relies primarily on business adherence and enforcement. This is precisely where small gyms and studios are able to shine. Owners and employees are one part of the equation; members and clients are another. Large, commercial gyms can reasonably expect their owners and employees to adhere to guidelines, but they cannot expect their clients to comply with equal due diligence. The vetted memberships of small gyms and studios produce members that are as invested in these gyms as much as their owners and employees and therefore just as accountable when it comes to facility stewardship.
Phase 2 is about to start in New York City. Amongst the businesses to reopen before gyms and studios are hair salons and barber shops - businesses where human contact and proximity are not only unavoidable but imperative. If the incongruous reopening of these businesses is based on economics, the impact of the fitness industry has long been overlooked. As of 2018 in the U.S., the fitness and health club industry generated $32 billion in revenue; the boutique fitness industry claimed approximately 40% of that figure, and this industry is continuing to skyrocket compared to commercial gyms. Prior to the pandemic, yoga studios were projected to bring in $11.6 billion in revenue up from $7 billion in 2012. All of this is in jeopardy now. Widespread closings are occurring and are imminent with every week that passes while their facilities remain empty.
The NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) was not created to be used for purposes of reopening businesses in an unprecedented crisis like this. However, this crude system is being used as the central tool for NY Forward's multi-phase reopening plan. We implore you to reconsider small gyms and studios as their own industry with regards to our two-fold contributions to local economies as illustrated above and the profoundly positive physical and mental impact on the communities we serve.
We understand that if we are to open in Phase 3 that we must do so in a limited capacity and with strict guidelines to keep our members, clients, and staff safe.
We propose the following:
- Restrict facility access to appointment-based training and limit occupancy to 25% capacity as dictated by fire code while increasing occupancy as phases progress
- Allow for 10-minute gaps between sessions for cleaning and to decrease congestion and density. There will be no overlap between members’ reserved time slots
- Staff to conduct regular (after each session) disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, equipment and common areas of the facility using disinfectant cleaning supplies according to CDC guidelines
- Adjust station layout and close or restrict access to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between stations. Equipment will not be shared between clients.
- Close showers, locker areas, and lockers. Members should report in a ready to train condition, previously dressed and with a labeled bottle of water and no excess belongings
- Require all employees and encourage members to wear PPE where applicable
- Keep doors and windows open where possible to improve ventilation
=============================================
Washington State's Reopening Plan for Small Gyms and Studios:
Contact list:
Governor Cuomo
https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
Mayor De Blasio
https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/mayor-contact.page
NYS Empire State Development
nys-nyc@esd.ny.gov
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer
info@manhattanbp.nyc.gov
https://www.ny.gov/new-york-state-congressional-delegation
Petition Closed
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Petition created on May 23, 2020