TONAWANDA, NY (WKBW) — It's been a long three months.
"Our members are ready to get back and we are ready to have them back," Debbie Hastings of BAC for Women said.
Gyms in Western New York are waiting to reopen in Phase four, which at the earliest, would still be two weeks away. Until that day comes all gyms can do is continue to plan.
The staff at BAC for Women in the Town of Tonawanda are busy rearranging. The cycling room has moved down the hall, more than half the cardio machines are gone, and there's added signage and floor markers.
It's a similar sight at Revolution Buffalo.
Their members rely on group classes, which is why they sent out surveys to gather input. They're planning on adding classes, making them smaller, and staggering them to avoid traffic. But it hasn't been easy without the necessary guidelines.
"We're just taking it day by day and making all of these different plans," Business Manager Kathleen Granchelli said. "We're just waiting on what the actual plan will be."
When it comes to national gym chains, LA Fitness and Planet Fitness have a number of locations in Western New York.
Public Relations Manager Becky Zirlen of Planet Fitness tells 7 Eyewitness News that they're working closely with the franchises in Buffalo. She also said they've implemented physical distancing measures and enhanced cleaning procedures at all of their locations.
Until the official guidelines are given, gyms will continue to plan, looking forward to welcoming back members both safely and responsibly.
"The best way to stay healthy is to be healthy and live a healthy lifestyle," Hastings said. "So all of the required and above and beyond the acquired things will be met."
