Fitness sector says, ‘gyms are safe’

GYM operators are calling for COVID-19 restrictions to ease to further support their clients and sustain their businesses.

Genesis Health & Fitness club owner Mel Tempest said she wants COVID marshals removed from her facility.

“We don’t need them, they’re too expensive and we can’t be fully operational if we have them,” she said.

“We will also have less traffic congestion if we’re open 24-seven, as opposed to condensing it to staffed hours.

“Because we can’t operate fully, we have to give our members a discount, yet it’s costing us money to open the doors.”

Part-owner of Elements Health & Fitness Lee Martin opened a facility six weeks before the first pandemic lockdown. She is keen to energise clients who may have lost their motivation through the year.

“There will be lots of health issues in the future that come about because people haven’t been moving in these last eight months. In the long run, this could be far worse for the health system,” she said.

Shadow Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, David Hodgett, was accompanied by Member for Ripon Louise Staley in Ballarat last week as part of a consultation process with fitness centres.

“The State Government has models that are not viable for gyms. Unless we’ve got a profitable sector, we won’t have a sector,” Ms Staley said.

“These are businesses that fulfill a need for our physical health and our mental health; delivering a public good. Without them, there would be massive gaps in our society surrounding both those things.”

Mr Hodgett said gyms have shown they are trustworthy to operate safely.

“They have COVID-safe plans, proper distancing and cleaning. The measures that have put on them have been harsh, and they’ve been closed for seven months,” he said.

“They have some of the best contact tracing systems, with members scanning in and booking into classes, but some operators are still not sure what they can do in what space.

“We’re listening to small businesses so we can go to the Government and say, why don’t you try this?”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said she has engaged “extensively” with local gym owners throughout lockdown and is mindful of how “difficult” 2020 has been for operators and their community of members.

“Ballarat gym owners were delighted to be able to open earlier than the roadmap originally planned…and that gyms would be allowed up to 100 people, and 20 people per class [as of last Sunday]. They have missed the physical and mental benefits of being part of their gym,” she said.

“The outbreak in South Australia has reminded us that this pandemic is not over. We are confident that our strategy is working in keeping numbers down, and COVID marshals in gyms and a number of other workplaces and industries, is a part of this strategy.

“Thank you to our gym owners and members who are keeping community safety front-of-mind as we all work towards a COVID-normal Christmas.”