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Gyms in Marion County waiting to reopen from COVID-19 closures

Posted at 9:35 PM, May 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-22 21:35:31-04

INDIANAPOLIS — Stage three of Gov. Eric Holcomb's reopening plan for Indiana began on Friday. Gyms across the state are allow to reopen, except in Marion, Cass and Lake counties which have been hit hardest by the novel coronavirus.

For members of Crossfit Naptown they are getting their daily workout in virtually — an at-home workout still led by coaches they know and love.

"A lot of our members took home dumbbells, kettle bells, bikes, rowers," Johnnie Martin, chief operating officer of Crossfit Naptown, said. "We're just sort of waiting to see if we get the green light sort of officially from the mayor."

While most fitness centers across the state opened Friday, phase three for the counties hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic won't be allowed until June 1.

These few weeks haven't gone to waste, though. They have a professional cleaning crew that comes on a regular basis. They've also rearranged their entire gym.

"Once they arrive we are going to have the doors wide open so that people don't have to touch the handles as they're coming into the gym," Anna Rode, chief experience officer at Crossfit Naptown, said. "Our coaches are going to be there with a no-touch thermometer."

"The equipment that they are going to need for the class is going to be in the square as soon as they come in so they don't need to touch anything," Martin said.

Class-based fitness centers feel they have more control over the environment compared to traditional gyms because they can space out their members and reduce class sizes easier.

"Between classes our coaching staff will be cleaning down the equipment, wiping it all down with plenty of time before the next class comes in," Rode said.

Crossfit also have outdoor space they can utilize. They want their members to take comfort in knowing they're taking every precaution for when they come back.

"Our biggest priority is the safety of our members and the community," Martin said.