Workout regimes might take a change as gyms reopen in CSRA

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

News 12 at 11 o'clock/NBC at 12

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- For months, we've been told to go outside, enjoy the fresh air, and take some time to exercise. But now Georgia gyms and facilities are opening up, and it's up to them to make workouts safe.

Maybe you're tired of doing push-ups, getting bored during wall sits, or simply can't get into those virtual workout videos. Well, gyms in Georgia were allowed to open on April 24 and next Monday, South Carolina will also allow gyms to re-open.

"We were really happy as many people were when that announcement came yesterday," said Danny McConnell, Family YMCA of Greater Augusta president and CEO.

The Family YMCA opened its Georgia facilities on May 1 and now plans to open its South Carolina facilities May 18.

"The approach was: close fast, open slow," McConnell said. "We had been planning for well over a month, 'What does it look like when the time comes?' so when we opened, I felt very confident."

Owners may be confident their gyms are safe, but gym-goers are understandably hesitant.

"We expected it to be a trickle, and it has been," McConnell said.

The staff members at all Family YMCAs wear masks and take temperatures of anyone coming into the facility.

You're expected to wipe down stations before and after you finish a set. The staff also constantly wipes down equipment when it's not being used. There's also more space between stations to allow for proper social distancing.

"The thinking behind it is obviously all the safety things that need to be in place. We're going to make sure we were ready," McConnell said.

The Family Y tells News 12 it's operating at about 20% of normal. The basketball courts are also closed right now, but they may be opening back up as soon as June 1.

Other gyms in South Carolina told News 12 they're also planning to open Monday, and will likely follow similar guidelines and sanitation procedures.