In an open letter, over 60 of America’s fitness industry experts advocated physical and mental wellbeing as key reasons to keep gyms and fitness studios open.
In a letter officially issued by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), over 60 of America’s top fitness industry leaders called on all United States governors to allow gyms to remain open safely as states take action to curb the COVID-19 crisis, and limit the number of second-wave occurrences nationwide.
The letter comes at a time when states such as Michigan and New York have yet to allow gyms to reopen following the initial shutdown, and Arizona once again shut down gyms for 30 days after a spike in COVID-19 cases.
The letter argues that there has been no evidence to link the opening of fitness centers, and a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases.
The letter begins: “We know each of you is under immense pressure to stop the spread of COVID-19 in your state. We are writing to ask that you consider scientific evidence, Americans’ mental and physical health, and not shut down gyms and fitness centers that can operate safely.
“As leaders in the fitness and wellness industry, we value above all else the health and wellbeing of the millions of members (and staff) who visit the tens of thousands of gyms, clubs and studios operating across the 50 states. We are equally committed to doing our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 – and our members, who are health-conscious, share this mindset.”
The letter also points out that in a survey of 135 clubs with 3,443,123 check-ins, there were only 0.004 per cent of positive COVID-19 cases reported as of June 30.
The full letter, along with the list of signees, can be found here.
