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Some local gyms may start to open soon under state guidance

Galesburg’s Planet Fitness location announced on Facebook on Wednesday that they would be open by Friday, albeit with capacity limits.
The news was welcomed by gym-starved patrons eager to get back in shape but also raised some eyebrows.
City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz says health clubs and gyms that open with capacity limits are within state regulations put out by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

For the Galesburg Planet Fitness that capacity limit is 174.

Bennewitz says the guidance is confusing since the Restore Illinois Plan, says “fitness clubs can provide outdoor classes and one-on-one personal training with IDPH approved safety guidance.”

A spokesperson for Planet Fitness responding to questions on Facebook says they’re keeping their clubs clean, with touchless check-in, and cleaning stations.

Knox County YMCA CEO Adam Sampson says the 26 outdoor classes the Y has been offering have been a “great success” but says they aren’t planning on re-opening gyms until Phase 4, likely on June 26th.
But the YMCA is at its core a non-profit community wellness agency, whereas Planet Fitness is a public traded company.

Sampson says the Y has pivoted towards serving the community through the COVID-19 crisis and they will continue to provide essential worker’s childcare, connect with seniors, deliver meals to those in need and host blood drives through Phase 3.

DCEO guidance says that saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, childcare areas should not be opened at health clubs during Phase 3.

Locker rooms and showers should be configured with signage, tape, and other markings to ensure members can maintain 6-ft. of social distance

Also, they say sanitization of locker rooms and showers should be completed at least every hour.

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