Bad news for athletic clubs: they remain closed in Phase 4

By Susanna Granieri
Posted 7/1/20

Gyms in the Mid-Hudson region have been patiently waiting since March 16 to open their doors to members. On June 24, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that fitness centers, originally included in …

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Bad news for athletic clubs: they remain closed in Phase 4

Posted

Gyms in the Mid-Hudson region have been patiently waiting since March 16 to open their doors to members. On June 24, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that fitness centers, originally included in the Phase Four re-opening plan, would remain closed until further notice, sharing no reasoning behind the decision.
The Hudson Valley is currently in Phase 3 of the State’s reopening plan. Phase Four, which will include higher education, low risk indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment and media production, is scheduled to be implemented in the Hudson Valley on July 7.

Don Murphy, owner of Gold’s Gym in Newburgh, says he has taken every precaution and then some in hopes to have a safe opening after 15 weeks.

Murphy, profiled in the July edition of Club Business International (CBI) told CBI that they have added non-invasive thermometers, distancing footprints, hand-sanitizer dispensers and sneeze guards at the main desk, sales desk and shake bar. On top of these improvements to their safety code of conduct, Murphy also invested in 55 gallon drums of My Shield, and will have the club coated with an electrostatic sprayer that disinfects and protects surfaces for up to 21 days.

“We’re obviously disappointed in the removal of health clubs, malls and theaters from phase four,” he said.

“We had been planning for weeks and months behind the scenes to reopen our facilities safely for all members and staff.”

To keep every person who is a part of the Gold’s Gym lifestyle up to date, Murphy created a website listing 21 ways they have changed their guidelines for staff and member safety. Aside from educating on safety measures they have taken, this website also provides over 1,000 free in-home workouts, ways to stay healthy and other opportunities for motivation.

With Gold’s Gym’s consideration to the safety of their people, Murphy is frustrated with the lack of explanation around their continuous closure.

“You can’t just say you can’t reopen; what do you want us to do that we haven’t already done to reopen safely?” Murphy said. “Give us the guidance, but there is no guidance being given. There’s no timeline and that is very hard to work with. We’re just left in the dark.”

Recently, Murphy joined the New York Fitness Alliance, a coalition of dozens of health club operators throughout the state to cooperatively work with Cuomo in hopes to create a timeline for gyms and health clubs.

These collaborative leaders in the industry have come together in the last 72 hours to work on a proposal to the governor, outlining a protocol that may assist in helping him understand this industry’s plight to a safe return.

Notably, this fitness industry has been coined under an umbrella of decision making, whereas there are many different types of facilities: small studios, training centers, large boxing gyms or big multifaceted health clubs.
The proposal is said to be sent to the governor’s office today, and Murphy is looking for an open-minded conversation based on understanding and how the state and fitness clubs can work together.

Murphy believes that the health industry is needed more now than ever before, and shutting down resources that people use to stay healthy can impact the community adversely, rather than keeping them safe without harm.

“It’s our strong hope that there will be a favorable reply showing Governor Cuomo’s willingness to have dialogue with the industry, so that it may reopen safely and as soon as possible,” Murphy said. “There’s nothing political, as this is about taking the high road and doing the right thing, politics removed.”