Amid lockdown, fitness industry crumbles as gyms shut down

Owners demand to open the gyms on the pattern of other states

Amid lockdown, fitness industry crumbles as gyms shut down

Ferozepur, May 19, 2020:  While being in isolation even during the threat of coronavirus and lockdown 4.0, without access to gyms and sports clubs, may make it difficult for people to work out, but at the same time, daily exercise plays an important role in helping maintain the healthy immune system.

Gym owners assembled in the morning in front of Municipal Park to register their protest, demanding from the district administration to allow opening the gyms on the pattern of other states, with restrictions to follow the government guidance.

Later, they submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner in the name of Chief Minister Punjab to consider their request for the opening of gyms when saloons have been allowed to function during the lockdown 4.0.

The threat of coronavirus has hit the fitness industry and is on the verge of shutting down. The curfew-lockdown 4.0 imposed in the wake of coronavirus threat has hit in many parts of the country and fitness centers – big and small – is one of them.  When restrictions have been lifted from many establishments including the saloons, the gym owners in Ferozepur demanded the restrictions on gym houses also.

The shutdown has not just affected those directly involved in the fitness business, but also those who temporarily attached to the industry.

In fact, the gyms having no income due to lockdown period and unable to pay to the trainers, support staff, cleaning staff and receptionists, will be left with no alternative either to completely shut down their business and relieve the staff or the government should allow them to run, by following the Covid19 instructions of the health department.

One of the owners – Ashish Khurana   – said, our businesses are suffering losses with the shutting down of gyms, the machinery installed is subject to risk to junk causing huge loss if not put to use.  When the gyms have been allowed to open in Kerala, Karnatka and even in Haryana, the Punjab government should also allow opening.

Gym owner said, we have to bear all the expenses on account of wages, electricity bills which has been dispatched on average basis, it would be better if we are allowed to open the gyms and ready to follow any norm of medical protocol, as a preventive measure to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Regular use of gym by the youths will have a tremendously positive effect on our health and wellbeing and likely to boost the immunity to fight with the coronavirus, he added.