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When will gyms reopen? Gov. Newsom said guidelines may be on the way

Virus Outbreak California Gym Owner Arrested
Posted at 5:38 PM, May 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-28 20:49:44-04

SACREMENTO, Calif. — It's the question on every fitness fanatics mind, when will gyms reopen? According to Gov. Gavin Newsom, we could see guidelines released in a "week or so."

During a virtual roundtable on Wednesday, Newsom discussed reopening the fitness industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He discussed the complexities of the fitness industry and said they want to make sure the guidelines they set forth meet the unique criteria and considerations.

Those who participated shared their thoughts on reopening and what can be done to help their business and the economy. Many of the participants said they are willing to make changes in order to comply with state guidelines.

"We're waiting for protocols and measures from the state," said Dario Trejo, owner of Origin in the Bay area. "But we're also being proactive in communicating our intentions."

Participants also pointed out that the industry may be shifting now less towards fitness and strength and focusing more on health and wellness.

"The name of the game is not six-pack abs anymore," Trejo said. "It's first and foremost we are a health company."

Those working in contact-type fitness businesses, such as Mixed Martial Arts, said the cleanliness and hygiene procedures are nothing new to them as they've always be concerned with spreading germs such as ringworm. Now they're looking to increase those procedures even more.

Zoarel Fuentes, Program Director Steel MMA and Fitness, said she is willing to work on new ways to train these types of contact sports while still maintaining health and safety guidelines.

  • Once guidelines for gyms to reopen are released, they will join the other industries already reopen under state guidelines such as: restaurants, retails stores, places of worship, and barbershops and hair salons. Barbershops and hair salons were the most recent industry to get the go-ahead after Newsom issued guidelines on Tuesday.

Counties that have attested to the state that COVID-19 is under control locally can reopen those businesses effective immediately. 47 of California's 58 counties have completed that process so far, including Kern County.