The reopening day for gyms and fitness studios in Bradford and Innisfil marked a welcome comeback as the province loosened some of the pandemic restrictions on Monday.
Business owners were thrilled to greet their customers after nearly a month of lockdown, but are also unsettled about the prospects for the industry.
“We are nowhere near out of the woods financially. Actually, we are so deep into the woods that we may never find our way out,” said Marina Imperio, owner of 9round kickboxing fitness in Bradford and Aurora.
Still, she said she was very excited on the reopening day.
“Our members are happy to be back, so that makes us happy," said Imperio.
Sarah Comeau, owner of GRIT Fitness in Innisfil, also has positive feelings about reopening the doors to customers.
“The inconsistency over these last few years has not only been hard on my business but on the programming and overall health of my clients," said Comeau.
She noted that people are feeling socially isolated and truly look forward to coming together at the gym.
“I’m thrilled to have my clients back in the studio, and they are chomping at the bit to get back in here," she said.
Kate Badger, owner of the dance studio Miss Jennie's Performing Arts Studio, was also thrilled to open up to customers again. She felt lucky that, while not ideal, dance classes were able to continue in some capacity as a virtual activity.
“But we were missing the in-person friendships, teamwork, and connections," said Badger.
Amid the struggle to survive during the pandemic, Imperio emphasized the critical role gyms and fitness studios can play in mitigating the burden of COVID-19 on public health. She said the only way out of this health crisis is changing the narrative.
“Fitness is essential and gyms are a safe place to get healthy in. Always have been, always will be," said Imperio.
“Keeping gyms open is more important now than ever for everyone’s physical and mental health,” agreed Comeau.
Imperio highlighted that gyms are places where people can build their immune systems and that the endorphins released during exercise help with mental health.
“These are only some of the reasons why fitness needs to be part of the narrative as our way out of COVID," said Imperio.
With Badger's dance teachers and students 12+ are all required to be vaccinated and to follow cleaning protocols at her studio, Badger hopes that everyone feels safe and overcomes any hesitance to get back to dance. She holds a positive outlook for this spring.
“We’re thrilled to be looking forward to competitions for our competitive dancers, and to a recital for our recreational dancers. As well, some of our dancers will be catching up with some of the postponed opportunities to dance on Canadian teams that are looking to travel this summer," said Badger.
Badger also counts on dance exams and conventions being back on the schedule.
After having been through shutdowns so many times, Comeau wants to see her studio staying open once and for all.
“I truly hope this is the last time we have to reopen," she said.
