Local Gyms Defy Order to Stay Outside During Purple Level



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San Luis Obispo County’s move to purple level on Monday means changes in the way businesses operate, including gyms and fitness centers that are supposed to move training outside.

Now, some gym owners choose to ignore the order and stay indoors because they say it’s the only option to stay in business.

Kennedy Club Fitness has been open about its decision to continue to allow indoor running and management partner Brett Weaver says he knows the risks.

“The county and the city have to do what they have to do, now it’s about survival for us,” Weaver said.

Indoor running continued at the Kennedy Club’s four fitness venues, despite SLO County sitting in the purple level.

Weaver says the gym can no longer service the membership base on an outdoor-only basis.

He says they have maintained state guidelines for distance, sanitation, and mask wearing.

“We have been taking these steps since June and we continue to improve on these steps and yes, we can deliver health and fitness safely and effectively to the community,” Weaver said.

County public health officials say a directed order can be issued to businesses in violation of state public health orders and is enforceable through fines, jail time, or both.

Some people are willing to come back inside, but other members say they choose to move outside.

“Personally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable training indoors even if everyone was wearing a mask or being six feet apart,” said Jessica Benzel, a resident of San Luis Obispo.

Kennedy Club Fitness isn’t the only one who has decided to stay indoors.

“When we’re here we have the doors open, we have the back doors rolled up all the way up,” said Nathan Zimmerman, owner of Sleeping Tiger Fitness and Martial Arts.

Sleeping Tiger is one of 26 other fitness centers that have formed the Wellness Coalition, which launched on Monday.

The group tries to operate indoors, under restrictions while in the purple level.

Gym owners say they plan to monitor all state and county security measures with indoor operation, but their request should be deemed essential for now.



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