As local businesses struggle to adjust to the impact of COVID-19 guidelines and closures this week, gyms around the North Shore have been forced to either close their doors entirely or drastically change their day-to-day operations.
Initially, the YMCA of Metro North had planned to close only its fitness centers while continuing to provide daily child care programs. But as of a statement released Wednesday by President and CEO Kathleen Walsh, all Metro North YMCAs — including Lynn, Saugus and Torigian (Peabody) — will be closing all facilities and programs until April 6.
“This is an extraordinarily challenging time; unlike anything we have experienced,” the statement said. “Our Y community is strong and connected. We will get through this together. And when we emerge from this challenging moment, we look forward to welcoming you and your families back through our doors.”
The YMCA will release information on how to stay healthy, including videos of workouts and tips online.
Local gyms like Planet Fitness and Boston Sports Clubs have also followed suit after the state-mandated containment efforts announced this week. Both gyms have shut down their facilities indefinitely since Monday while awaiting further guidance by the state.
In a statement made by its CEO, Planet Fitness will not charge for the time period its clubs are closed.
But some small businesses haven’t had the option to close entirely.
This is usually one of the busiest times of the year at Salem Fitness Center, but the gym has taken a big hit, said owner Michael Reyes.
“This is usually a busier time of the year in terms of people signing up and new members in the gym,” Reyes said. “But it’s been really down.”
Salem Fitness Center hasn’t shut down its facility — located on Swampscott Road in Salem — entirely, but Reyes and his staff have had to drastically change their policies.
“We’ve been focusing on ways to service our members without having to close,” Reyes said. “A lot of places are closing their services but still charging people for their membership. But that’s just not how we do business.
“We’ve limited the amount of people that are allowed inside at one time,” Reyes said. “And we’ve also limited the time they can stay. That amount of time is one hour.”
Salem, along with the YMCA, has also started to offer online workout videos and suggestions on its websites and social media.
“Daily we’re offering some small workouts online,” Reyes said. “It’s just workouts for home but we’re not charging anything for them. It’s just a free option for people at this time.”
It’s less than ideal for Salem Fitness Center, which offers several membership plans, but it’s a better option than putting his staff out of work, Reyes said.
“We have over 30 people on our staff here,” Reyes said. “And we’ve really had to focus on keeping them paid, so they can feed themselves and their families.
“As long as we can we’ll continue doing it,” Reyes said. “Obviously right now there needs to be some serious consideration for small businesses in the area.”
