The final say for fitness centers to reopen falls on local health departments, who must inspect each facility to ensure Cuomo’s standards are being met. Champions for Life Executive Director Melissa Gravius and Swagler Strength and Performance owner Jamie Swagler are among those still unclear on how such inspections are going to take place.
Gravius said Tuesday her understanding was that it fell on each fitness center to request an inspection from the health department, and while the goal is to reopen the gym Aug. 24, CFL had not yet reached out as the facility was not ready to host gym-goers.
Swagler responded in an email Thursday that he has reached out to the health department about an inspection, but had not yet received a response. He added that he does not believe the 33% capacity will be an issue for his facility, and that he’s working on updating the building’s HVAC systems.
On Friday afternoon, the Cayuga County Health Department sent a press release detailing how gyms can receive approval to reopen. Fitness centers must submit an inspection application, which can be found on the health department’s website, and as well as a copy of the state’s reopening guidelines with affirmation. All forms must be mailed to the health department.
The social distancing requirement will likely affect different gyms in different ways. Gravius said CFL, for example, does not have a lot of room to space out equipment.
