I’m birthing this petition for the greater good of Human health (both physical and mental), Human well-being and all that the aforementioned encompasses.  With the most recent and current epidemic and calamity of the COVID-19 virus, all Gyms across the nation were ordered to close, as it was stated that Gym environments were an, “inessential business.”  This, by all measures is factually untrue.  It was also stated that Gym environments were unsafe, due to the potential spread of this virus.  These issued statements are not factual and are based off uneducated misconceptions. Numerous environments / platforms which are wildly more toxic, still remain open and functioning thru this time.  Gym environments are much, much cleaner than many frequently visited locations such as: subways, transportation hubs, crowded restaurants, Busses, Supermarkets, construction sites with Hundreds of workers, “Home improvement,” stores, crowded Coffee shops, etc.  Gym environments are thoroughly cleaned, sterilized and sanitized much more frequently than many, “other,” and the aforementioned businesses that remain open today, and/or that function on a daily basis. I GUARANTEE the majority of gyms are cleaner than most people’s homes in this country. “Misconceptions,” stem from uneducated individuals; The very individuals spewing these comments have little to no intellect on the subject.  Have any of these individuals ever tested gyms? The Air quality, surface cleanliness, materials used and the anti-bacterial nature of them, the chemicals used to clean?  I myself have, for Decades.  Gyms are NOT the worst place to be, not even close. Again, they’re cleaned, sterilized, disinfected and sanitized to extreme degrees and MUCH more than restaurants, transportation hubs, malls, stores, etc., etc., etc.  As well, Gyms already partake in, “distancing.”  Everyone working out separates themselves accordingly because you don’t want someone on top of you while you’re training and if anyone feels that worried about it, you can ALWAYS and at any time, wear a mask to self-protect yourself and not just during this calamity.  Moreover, Gyms and Fitness facilities provide unequivocal and incontrovertible health (Physical & Mental) benefits to all those who utilize them.  They provide relief from many health complications, mental deficiencies, addiction, stress, PTSD, Opioid use, anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, daily stresses of life, etc. They profoundly aide in the rehabilitation and/or continued health progression of people of all ages, people with disabilities, athletes and persons who are recovering from injury, accident and/or surgery. As well, many individuals and athletes, both amateur and professional, will suffer greatly in career and future performance, should this order remain. The ability and right to exercise within said facilities has and continues to benefit Humankind in more positive ways than one could possibly list.  It is a proven fact that when you physically exercise, your physiology changes, which changes your Brain in positive ways and always for the better.  Gyms and Health Clubs improve lives, improve health and greatly improves our body’s ability to fight off sickness.  It has been proven time and time again and is recommended by every Doctor and health professional on this planet.  There are Millioms of citizens suffering right now. Denying ones ability to enter arenas of physical fitness can and will create further sickness and instability. We faithfully submit this petition to reopen Gyms nationwide. 

****AMENDMENT****

**This is an amendment to my petition written above, requesting that all Gyms nationwide, be labeled, “essential businesses.”

*March 13, 2020

Approximately Two Months ago, I wrote a petition both in appeal of the Government’s decision to label Gyms, “non-essential,” and in request to be heard as a community.  Stating facts encompassing: Science, well-being, health, fitness, rehabilitations, etc., I have not yet been responded to, “officially,” and even tho I have followed the appropriate channels.

Today, our community and industry stands sickened. Not only in opinion and belief, but physically and mentally as well. This nation has become ill without the proper channels of adequate exercise. Persons who didn’t suffer any prior anxiety or panic attacks, now do. Individuals who utilized fitness as their, “medication,” for PTSD, suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder, addiction recovery, Autism, neurocognitive disorders, physical rehabilitation, anxiety and panic disorder, etc., have been literally cut off from their healing remedies.  Athletes of all ages have had their progress halted and futures severely hindered.  And please do not, shrug off,” our great industry and community by saying, “workout at home.”  That’s like telling a Union Construction Laborer he can work from home because he owns a Hammer and a Drill; It’s a Night and Day difference.  The closure and continued lockout of our nation’s Gyms and Fitness facilities is worsening and weakening Human health, Immune systems, well-being and cognitive function. Moreover, these prolonged closures are disabling the very entrepreneurial backbone of communities nationwide and have caused countless job losses. They have also forced business owners to continue paying rent and Mtg.’s on properties they cannot operate, creating financial calamity.

Allowance of this continue will only decimate health, well-being, community and small businesses, further into ruins. We as a community and nation, implore you to re-open Gym and Fitness facilities nationwide.

Faithfully submitted,

Kevin J. Speicher