March 7, 2021 at 2:33 p.m. EST
Updated on:March 7, 2021 at 2:33 p.m. EST
Dozens of small fitness center owners across the city are urging the mayor to allow indoor fitness classes to return.
While gyms with limited capacity are allowed to reopen, indoor fitness classes like yoga or Zumba are still not allowed.
Small fitness center owners say the restrictions are keeping them from getting the revenue they need to stay open.
Michael Carlin is the owner of Slope Fitness in Park Slope. He is one of nearly 80 small fitness center owners who have signed a letter asking Mayor Bill de Blasio to run indoor fitness, yoga and Pilates studios with a capacity of 25% indoors.
Carlin said his gym is offering fitness classes with safety measures to help curb the spread of COVID-19. He says gym membership has dropped dramatically and he hopes to allow fitness classes soon to keep his business alive.
“I don’t want to displace any more staff,” says Carlin. “Did we get the PPP loan? But that’s only to cover payroll for a short period of time. It’s not a long-term solution to the problem.”
The mayor and health officials said in a recent press conference that they are cautious about allowing indoor fitness classes because it is difficult for attendees to store their masks or the masks could get damp, making them less effective.
Carlin says he doesn’t see this as a problem as safety guidelines are enforced at his gym.
