Pune: Gym Owners Association asks administration how many patients have reduced by keeping gyms closed

Pune: The Maharashtra Gym Owners Association has asked the local and district administration some simple questions. How many Covid-19 cases have been reduced by keeping gyms closed for the last five months? If open gyms are allowed then why not indoor gyms? If gyms are closed, how will the country stay fit?

The association held protests in front of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Thursday (August 6) demanding immediate reopening of gyms. The association has started protests in every district of the state. Prior to the protests in front of PCMC, the association members had protested at the District Collector office on Tuesday (August 4).

The association members had met Prakash Ambedkar, President of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and presented him a letter citing the problems gym owners and trainers are facing in the state due to the lockdown. Ambedkar had then requested the state government to reconsider their decision of lockdown and allow all gyms to open in the state.

The state government has allowed only outdoor centres for exercise and gymnastics to reopen from 5th August provided they follow all social distancing and hygiene protocols. The state government has also allowed malls and shops in commercial complexes to reopen from August 5, but prohibited gyms, theatres and cinema halls from opening till August 31.

Gym operator Sagar Godhangave, Sandesh Nalawade, Vikram Dhumal, Nitin Garal, Avinash Indalkar and other members participated in the protests outside PCMC on Thursday. Apart from the protestors on ground, several other gym owners, trainers, supplement, yoga, zumba trainers and association members participated in the protest through online and social media platforms.

The central government on Wednesday issued guidelines for 'Unlock 3.0' and allowed gyms, yoga institutes to open from August 5 under certain terms and conditions. However, the state government excluded gyms and other fitness centres to open in the next phase of 'Mission Begin Again'.

Gym owners are under financial stress since the lockdown was imposed in March. Several gym operators, trainers said that the government must understand that their livelihood depends on reopening gyms and that they will take all precautions while operating gyms to prevent the spread of coronavirus.