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May 9

Getting physical: Many gyms, fitness centers open and trying to stay safe – Oak Ridger

Fitness Comments Off on Getting physical: Many gyms, fitness centers open and trying to stay safe – Oak Ridger

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. From small yoga studios to massive gym complexes, Oak Ridge's various fitness locations have been open for nearly a week since being shuttered because of the coronavirus pandemic.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. From small yoga studios to massive gym complexes, Oak Ridges various fitness locations have been open for nearly a week since being shuttered because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee opened the fitness locations last Friday, May 1. He and the state Department of Health issued guidelines on how the fitness location operators and customers must proceeds so as to keep patrons healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Exercise is incredibly important for the physical and mental health of our population, and we want Tennesseans to have access to safe environments where they can exercise as appropriate, the governor stated in a news release.

Oak Ridges gyms have been weighing in on whether to open and if they open, how to operate.

Koa Strength and Fitness, 697 Emory Valley Road, has some challenges, but also some advantages because of its size.

We really dont ever have more than 10 people in here at once anyway, manager Pete Rubish who owns Koa along with Kelley Christopher, said in a phone interview, regarding precautions with customers. The two owners also dont have to worry about laying off or furloughing employees as they are also the only employees. Koa offers classes, but also a power lifting area, and both are open now. Unlike some other gyms, Koa is accepting new memberships.

We opened on the (May) 1st. Its definitely been a process Obviously things arent back to normal yet, Rubish said. I think its good to be up and running again. It just hurt small businesses everywhere when they shut things down. I understand the reasoning for it, but its been good to ease back into a normal way of living, he said.

Kinetics Wellness Studio, 649 Briarcliff Ave., offers barre, Pilates and yoga classes. The owner, Kendrey Nolds, said some classes are online now, while others are meeting in person again. The instructors will always wear masks, she said, and participants may wear masks if they like.

Its honestly so far been slow, Nolds said regarding business since reopening.

Secret City Crossfit, 238 Brisbane Road, is now limiting itself to organized classes with already-enrolled members.

Most of the people who are showing up for the classes are thrilled that weve reopened, owner Mark Berger said, adding later that he is also extremely happy.

However, he said some people have to stay home due to job requirements. Other customers would have to bring children with them. He said Secret City Crossfit has loaned out equipment to its long-term members. They can keep the equipment until theyre ready to come back to the gym.

Class sizes are limited. Berger used painters tape to create 7-by-7-foot workout areas for each athlete in a class. These areas are six feet apart from each other for safety. He said class size now nine athletes and one coach maximum is based on how many little areas the gym could be set up.

Berger said he had suspended payments for the month of April, but some members continued to pay.

'Go ahead and charge me anyway, I want to be sure you survive this,' Berger said, summing up those members views.

I thought that was really nice, he said.

Hes not taking new members now.

Im going to delay that at least two weeks to wait and see what happens, he said.

Maxed Out on South Illinois Avenue, another locally owned gym, has opened with several changes due to the new guidelines and safety measures.

We are so excited to be opening back up and doing what we do best! We understand that some of this may be inconvenient and frustrating, but as they say it is what it is. Regardless of your views/opinions on the COVID-19 pandemic, these guidelines must be followed, and we'll do our best to make it as normal as possible. This is the only way we are allowed to legally open, so help us out! the gym posted to its Facebook page on April 29, before its May 1 opening.

Members must have their temperatures checked upon entry and be below 100.4 Fahrenheit to enter.

Workouts must be limited to one hour due to the states 50% capacity requirements. Members must always keep six feet apart.

Six feet apart or six feet under. Its your choice pal, the gym stated on a sign posted to its Facebook page. The gym is now for members only with no guests or guest passes.

Several franchise gyms in Oak Ridge have also opened and have posted their plans to Facebook. Golds Gym, 302 S. Illinois Ave., has opened with reduced hours and amenities, including no use of lockers, while also providing online classes for people who dont feel comfortable coming back. National Fitness Center, 750 Briarcliff Ave., has also opened as has Workout Anytime, 1135 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

Planet Fitness, 370 S. Illinois Ave., hasnt opened its doors yet. A phone message said the target date to reopen is May 15, but a May 17 date is given online. The recorded phone message at Planet Fitness said for customers to keep calling back.

Ben Pounds is staff reporter for The Oak Ridger. Call him at (865) 441-2317 and follow him on Twitter @Bpoundsjournal. News editor Donna Smith contributed to this story.

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Getting physical: Many gyms, fitness centers open and trying to stay safe - Oak Ridger

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