NEWBURGH – Instead of the sound of metal weights and ambient voices abounding in the cavernous environs at Gold’s Gym, there was a sole TV on with little attention being paid to it.
And that’s what bothers Don Murphy, a Gold’s Gym franchisee in Newburgh and the Town of Wallkill. and those regulars who worked out prior to the closure of these facilities by Covid-19
Gyms and theaters are still closed, but the New York State Fitness Alliance has put together a plan that includes pages of precautions that it believes should end the ban of closed gyms.
“We think we have done enough to safeguard and provide a safe environment in the gym with the reopening plan that has been put together by the New York State Fitness Alliance,” said Murphy. “But if there is something in the plan that is deemed unsafe or something that needs to be added or amended, we are open to that dialogue. We will make it happen.”
The plan includes employee screenings that will determine if they have had virus symptoms for the last 14 days or have tested positive during the last 14 days or has been in close contact with anyone testing positive for the virus during the past 12 days. Employees must also practice social distancing of at least six feet and wear a mask at all times.
Gym members would be required to wear a mask when not exercising and would be forbidden entrance with virus symptoms and must confirm they have been symptom-free.
Gym capacity would be limited to 50 percent of the maximum, and membership databases would be available to the state Department of Health for contact tracing.
Lisa Vargas said her quality of life has diminished since being forced out of the gym by the pandemic, and she is now coping with asthma and weight gain.
“Before the gyms closed, I was in a good place physically and mentally. I was motivated and very active. The gym was my sanctuary,” she said. “Since the gyms have closed, my depression and anxiety are at an all-time high.”
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus also worked out at a gym on a daily basis.
“I was a regular,” he said. “I would go four to five days (a week) before COVID happened.”
He is now urging gym owners and members to lobby Albany harder to reopen these facilities. And he believes personal responsibility in the gym will ensure the safe practices needed for healthier lives to withstand the pandemic.
“You use the equipment, you clean it. You stay away from people anyhow. The individuals, to use the equipment and get training, I think it’s do-able,” said Neuhaus. “It’s a fact that the healthier you are, you can combat the virus if you contract it. By having these closed for seven months, this is not a good prognosis heading into the fall.”
