CITY PUMPED AS GYMS OPEN AT LAST
WITH less than 24 hours’ notice Brad Bowie raced to his gym to give it a clean in readiness to open after the coronavirus pandemic forced it to close almost three months ago.
From yesterday up to 20 people were allowed in indoor gyms, providing they had enough room to allow each person 4 sqm to work out in.
Mr Bowie, owner of Valhalla Strength gym in Currajong, said the Woolcock St premises had ample room with its 340 sqm space.
He said members helped the gym survive the pandemic and he was excited to once again open the doors.
“During the closure we lost about 40 per cent of our member base,” he said. “We only survived because of the 50 per cent who decided to go on.”
With a small team of staff, Mr Bowie said all employees at the gym would get their jobs back.
“We have only one employee and one coach, who is a subcontractor. Our employee was part-time, we were able to get him on Jobkeeper,” he said.
He said the State Government’s announcement on Sunday of bringing forward the easing of restrictions caught him off guard.
Mr Bowie’s phone was buzzing as members heard the news. Fearing further restrictions, news of allowing gyms to reopen was a pleasant surprise for the gym owner.
“The last time that happened it was 9pm on Sunday and our phone had about 20 messages saying have you seen the news? Gyms would be closing at 12pm (on March 23),” he said.
He said gym goers would be allowed to train for up to two hours a session, with the gym opening from 2-9pm this week. Mr Bowie said people would have to wait outside if 20 people were already inside.
From next week, Valhalla Strength would operate during its normal business hours.
Health Minister Steven Miles urged people to be patient as pubs, clubs, health clubs, parks, museums, art galleries, places of worship work towards reopening.