Gyms set date to reopen doors on Gold Coast

Gyms across the Gold Coast have revealed when they will reopen - but some restrictions will remain in place.

GYMS across the Gold Coast are planning to reopen on June 13, but some bigger facilities still feel like they’re stuck between a dumbbell and a hard place.

Stage two of the Queensland Government’s three-step plan to relax COVID-19 regulations kicks in on that date, allowing most gyms to start welcoming back members.

During this stage only 20 people will be allowed inside a gym, and World Gym Burleigh manager Ben Bergmeier said he’s still weighing up his options.

“We haven’t set anything in stone yet,” he said.

“Realistically 20 people just isn’t enough for us, we’ve got a big gym and to staff that safely I’d need four or five staff in there.

Gold Coast Bulletin journalist Jessica Huxley during a fitness training session at EMF Fitness Centre.

“That’s means only 16 members would be allowed in, that would create a lot of angry members who can’t go in.

“We have contracts with customers that at a minimum we need to provide the services we said we’d offer when they first signed the contract.”

Mr Bergmeier said the Burleigh gym is thinking of different initiatives to open in some sort of capacity from June 13.

“If we don’t put an option in place and wait until the 100-person limit, which will be better for a gym our size, it means we risk losing members.

“Smaller gym spaces and box fitness providers will be able to adapt and if people want to get back into the gym space they’ll move to them.”

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Director of EMF Scott Freeman said he has been in contact with the government to discuss how gyms will be able to run in stage two of the plan.

“We have a few weeks up our sleeve to try and refine that rule,” he said.

“20 people is unachievable.

“We shouldn’t be the same case as cafes and restaurants, it shouldn’t be one size fits all.”

Members work out at F45 Hope Island.

F45 gyms across the Gold Coast have confirmed with members that from June 13 classes will be provided to a maximum of 20 people.

“Each F45 gym is going to have their own ways of coming back,” F45 Bundall owner Dean Olaranshaw

“We are making it half price for the first month back and free for two weeks to new members because the restrictions mean we will only be able to offer half the amount spots in a class compared to normal.”