‘Adjusting on the fly’ A year after the COVID-19 outbreak, fitness centers have survived by offering creative programs, social distancing and lots of disinfectant spray by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD/GREENSBORO – After the COVID-19 outbreak shut down gyms last March, Jill Thomas felt lucky she was able to find a set of exercise equipment for the garage of her Summerfield home. She feels even more fortunate now, after returning to Proehlific Park where she’s resumed lifting weights five or six days a week. Over the past year, few industries have been harder hit than fitness centers. After riding out a governmentmandated shutdown and navigating public gathering restrictions, centers have adapted for the safety and peace of mind of members such as Thomas. “It’s been a world of adjusting on the fly,” said Ricky Proehl, owner of Proehlific Park in northwestern Greensboro. Like other fitness centers, Proehlific has gradually regained members since September when an executive
order by Gov. Roy Cooper allowed the reopening of gymnasiums, yoga and dance studios and other exercise facilities at 30 percent capacity. Over the past year, revenue for fitness centers has tumbled along with the loss of membership fees. Since reopening, the facilities have incurred additional expenses for cleaning supplies to meet public safety requirements and recommendations of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. In December, additional measures by the agency required the wearing of masks inside of gyms, even during strenuous exercising; that, fitness center owners said, discouraged even more members from returning. “No one would have ever thought we’d have to go through all of this,” said Kimberly Stoll, who owns Snap Fitness in Oak Ridge with Paul Benz. The center returned to profitability in January. “We’re just starting to get back,” Stoll said. Last summer, Snap Fitness trainers worked with clients outside before returning inside the gym over the past six months. When members enter the club, they grab bottles of disinfectant spray to sanitize equipment. The floor is
Photo by Finley Skelton Photography
Group fitness classes are held in various places within the Proehlific Park facility, including the gymnasium, to allow for social distancing. marked with keep-your-distance circles. Starting next month, Snap Fitness trainer Jamaal Johnson plans to offer strength, conditioning and agility training for teenagers in classes limited to six people. The program is targeting youngsters training for sports teams as well as seeking social interaction after nearly a year of attending school virtually. “You just have to get creative and come up with new ideas to do things
differently than you did in the past,” Stoll said. After closing last March, about 200 of Snap Fitness’ 800 members canceled or froze their memberships, she said. About half of the 200 have rejoined the club. The others represent senior citizens and others who are “just being very cautious,” she said. “With the rollout of the vaccine, we’re
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