SLO County gyms temporarily close in response to coronavirus
San Luis Obispo County Public Health issued a shelter at home order Wednesday that allows some essential businesses to operate such as grocery stores and gas stations, but gyms, yoga studios and other exercise centers must close.
Gyms that had remained open earlier in the week announced Wednesday that they were shutting their doors, such as Kennedy Club Fitness, which has four countywide locations, and FitnessWorks of Morro Bay.
“Due to recent orders and advisories from federal, state and local government authorities regarding COVID-19, all Kennedy Club Fitness locations will be closing (until further notice) no later than 5 p.m., tomorrow March 19th,” the club noted on Facebook on Wednesday. “Please check with your home club to learn closing times.”
Kennedy Club has gyms in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Atascadero and Arroyo Grande.
Like other businesses, Kennedy listed information about online home workout links on its post.
The county’s shelter-at-home order will be re-evaluated after 30 days, and it remains unclear when fitness centers may re-open.
San Luis Obispo County Public Health officials said the public is allowed to take part in outdoor activities, such as hiking, walking and running.
On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom asked that gyms, health clubs, movie theaters, and restaurants in California to close down “for the moment.”
That prompted some local fitness centers to close their doors shortly thereafter.
Pismo Beach Athletic Club announced its temporary closure at 5 p.m. Tuesday, and Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa shut its doors at noon Tuesday.
“We appreciate your patience, understanding, and support as our team navigates what is genuinely new ground for all of us, both at Pismo Beach Athletic Club and worldwide,” Pismo Beach Athletic Club said in its announcement.
Pismo Beach Athletic club provided a link to a Les Mills on-demand, online exercise streaming service, posting the URL address on the gym’s website page.
On Tuesday, SLO Yoga Center announced its temporary closure until further notice — noting “We know this is a challenging time for all and yet we can still unite in protecting our community health and wellness particularly for those most at risk with aggressive moves. Set your drishti on love and ease, for yourself and for the world.”
Earlier in the week, local residents told The Tribune that they were avoiding gyms to help prevent the spread of the virus the causes COVID-19.
Some people commented online about Kennedy Club’s announcement about its closure, embracing the change.
“You would be saving lives by temporarily closing all of your clubs,” said Dave Boicourt. “If we stay home, the virus can’t spread.”
Another commenter, Erica Peters Poppen posted: “Sooo excited for the online format! Groove here I come. Thanks Barb Kennedy.”
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 12:31 PM.
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