FITNESS EXPLOSION TRAINING OUTDOORS
Fitness centers have been among the numerous businesses that have suffered devastating impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When gyms were forced to close in March, this left many without a regular place to get exercise, and the pattern repeated once gyms were approved for reopening in Solano County in May but forced to close indoor operations again in July after being put on the state’s “watch list” for additional coronavirus restrictions.
However, with the Vacaville City Council approving the use of parks and open spaces for business operations in July, several businesses took advantage of the opportunity to do so. One of these was Fitness Explosion, which set up a training area in its parking lot and has allowed people to get a workout in ever since.
Fitness Explosion owner and head trainer Dulon Ste-vens, known as “Coach Mugz” to his clients, said it has been a difficult transition with the various state orders regarding fitness centers, but he likes the opportunity to do training sessions outside. “It’s challenging making sure we get the equipment in and out, especially with the heat,” he said. “Overall, it’s been pretty exciting too to breathe the fresh air. People are just happy now to work out."
When Fitness Explosion first closed in March, Stevens said he began conducting classes online.
When the center was first permitted to reopen in May, he said staff allowed a limited number of clients inside for what he calls his “Fit Fam.”
“Once we were in the building, I decided, ‘Hey, I wanted to start working out anyway before they allowed us to,'” he said. “Once they said we could work out outside, that was a plus.”
Stevens said Fitness Explosion was recently granted approval to resume operations indoors at 10 percent capacity, but he said the business would need to do some “spring cleaning” before going back inside.
In the meantime, Stevens continues to conduct outdoor boot camps, yoga and other training exercises in the center’s parking lot. Throughout it all, social distancing is maintained by keeping all staff and clients 6 to 8 feet apart and having staff wear face coverings.
“In the guidelines, it states that we don’t have to wear masks but we do,” he said. “When we do get together, we make sure that we put the maks on and stay socially distanced when getting our water. All guidelines we have been following since Day One.”
One of the most popular programs is the boot camp, which pushes clients through a series of exercises intended to burn fat and build body muscle. Additionally, Fitness Explosion offers everything from personal to tandem to private group training to a cardio class Stevens created called “Dumbbell Rock.” Meal plans are also provided.
“We practice and preach healthy living, and we also make sure that our clients are healthy in the brain,” he said.
A big portion of Fitness Explosion’s clientele is athletes, whether students or professionals. Some of the pros Stevens has worked with include Willie Calhoun of the Texas Rangers, Mykal Walker of the Atlanta Falcons and Javin White of the Las Vegas Raiders. Studentathletes have come in from middle and high schools as well as colleges to prepare for their games.
Back in August, a variety of student-athletes could be seen taking part in a boot camp ahead of the school year. Fitness Explosion has also partnered with its neighbors at Heritage Peak Charter School to provide training for kids who are homeschooled and not getting the regular amount of exercise.
Being outside, Stevens said, is a good opportunity for people to stay healthy and physically fit, something that has been a challenge for many staying at home.
“Working out clears the mind, helps the mindset of stress,” he said. “That’s why we do this: for the mind, body and soul to stay healthy.”
Stevens said Fitness Explosion clients have been very supportive, and he is happy to provide a venue for them to stay healthy. He said everyone is welcome to sign up.
“It’s a positive thing that we have to get outside the house,” he said. “At the same time, we do have to follow the guidelines so that we can get through this. If we all do that, we can get through this together.”
Fitness Explosion is located at 322 Parker St., Suite A. For more information, visit Fitexplosion.net or call 474-9407.