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Gyms Feel ‘Gut Punch’ After Being Left Out In Reopening Plan

Erica and David Dix are pictured inside Anytime Fitness in West Ellicott. P-J photos by Eric Tichy

Like a punch in the gut. That’s how Erica Dix, who with her husband David own and operate Anytime Fitness in West Ellicott, described feeling after learning this week that gyms — along with movie theaters and malls — will not be cleared to reopen when areas of New York state progress to Phase Four beginning Friday.

“Our initial reaction, of course, was first anger, then betrayal, because as far as we’ve been told, Phase Four was the last phase and that it included gyms,” Dix said. “Being told that they’re not opening gyms is kind of like a gut punch, to say the least.”

Dix said she has heard from countless customers itching to work out. Gyms, like other personal care facilites, closed in mid-March as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the state. Though Chautauqua County has avoided large spikes in coronavirus cases, the area has had to follow state guidelines in allowing businesses to reopen to customers.

“Playgrounds are opened and they are cleaned once a day,” Dix said, noting that gym equipment is cleaned after each use.

Kyle Stewart, executive director of the Alliance of New York State YMCAs, issued a statement Wednesday, noting his dismay by the “sudden news” that Ys would not permitted to open in the fourth phase.

“For most of our 37 YMCAs statewide who operate 140 locations, this meant a putting a disruptive, and frankly, expensive halt to their reopening plans,” Stewart said. “The consequences of the governor’s action have not only damaged the Y’s fitness operations, but has put the viability of the nonprofit services we deliver to over 1.5 million New Yorkers in jeopardy.”

See Thursday’s edition for complete coverage.

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