CKPG

By Oli Herrera

Restrictions

Gyms in BC given the go-ahead to reopen this week

Jan 18, 2022 | 1:52 PM

PRINCE GEORGE—Gyms and excercise facilities can reopen on Thursday, January 20. Following months of pressure, the province announced facilities will open with some rules. To owners in Prince George, it’s a sigh of relief.

Angel Stewart, owner of Angel’s Aerial Fitness says that for the past few years, she’s improved on providing services virtually.

“We’re getting pretty good at it. My members are pretty loyal. It’s obviously not ideal, but we’re doing the best we can to make all of our classes accessible.” said Stewart.

Closures, group class shutdowns & size reductions, vaccine passport mandates, and different COVID variants were barriers that owners like her faced.

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“We work with what we get. We make lemonade out of lemon.” said Stewart.

On Tuesday, Doctor Bonnie Henry announced new rules that would have to be followed:

• Proof of vaccine continues to be required at all exercise facilities and masks must be worn at all times, except when working out.
• There must be 7m² for each person (or about 2.5 metres by 2.5 metres)
• Facility owners are encouraged to adopt a booking system for their clients to book a workout time
• .There must also be enhanced ventilation at these facilities, with no fans or heaters that would increase the temperature of the room.

Meanwhile, the current restrictions on events and gatherings will be extended until February 16.

The constant changes forced owners like Stewart to adapt. So much so, that she is now adopting her virtual teaching methods. Thanks to not needing much equipment to teach, she’s adding it to her regular services.

“I prepare, so I do prepare as best as I can, in case it happens again. But I choose not to dwell over it or lose sleep over it, cause it won’t affect anything that it doesn’t help. But it does help to be prepared as best as you can in case it does happen in the future.” said Stewart.

However, other gym and fitness owners aren’t as easily able to adapt. Crossfit Northern Ice Owner Stephen O’Beirne says throughout the pandemic, he’s provided at home workouts for clients and even allowed them to take equipment home.

“The continued difficulty that people have had to try and get equipment. We’ve loaned out as much equipment as we can, trying to help all of our clients, but it’s been especially tough with this cold snap.” said O’Beirne.

He says it’s not simple for many of his clients to do at-home workouts due to lack of space. Previously, without clients being able to exercise indoors, he got creative and started to offer kids training programs—which are allowed under current health orders. It’s a program he plans to continue.

“We’re pretty confident we’re gonna be able to start today, that we’re gonna be able to keep kids program running…we’ve been allowed to run the program this whole time. We just—as usual—proceeded with an abundance of caution.” said O’Beirne.

He adds that he’s grateful he’s able to service his clients indoors again. But if the province decides to take a step back, he hopes the province will think about gym owners beforehand.

“We have a direct and immediate benefit to the mental health and physical health of people in this province. We hope that the people who are in the position to make the decisions factor that in when they consider closures.” said O’Beirne.