Wodonga gyms: CrossFit TMA and F45 Wodonga lose business to Albury
Wodonga gym owners are being hit hard by Victorian restrictions as they lose business to their competitors across the border, where “gyms can pretty much operate as if there in no COVID-19”.
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Wodonga gym owners are reaching their limits as tough Victorian restrictions cause them to lose business to competitors over the border.
Gyms in Wodonga are currently closed, and are allowed to hold outdoor classes with up to 10 people under Victorian COVID-19 guidelines.
Co-owner of CrossFit TMA in Wodonga, Zak Rogers, said the unfair restrictions were taking a toll on his business and his mental health.
“It’s a huge tax on the mind of a business owner who looks across the border at Albury where gyms can pretty much operate as if there in no COVID-19, but 3km away we only just got clearance to let people inside to use the toilet,” Mr Rogers said.
“We’ve lost a lot of our members and continue to lose business to Albury – we can’t compete because we’re closed and they’re not, it’s an extremely unfair system.
“Kudos to those businesses in Albury that are doing well, but I want it to be a fair fight.”
CrossFit TMA is currently holding classes in the carpark outside the gym.
“We’re getting enough members to keep things ticking over, but it’s getting to that question of how long are we going to do this before the thoughts of giving up begin,” he said.
Mr Rogers said he couldn’t understand why gyms were still facing such tight restrictions when hospitality businesses could be open.
“CrossFit TMA is across the road from a pub who can have 50-100 people inside drinking beer, but we couldn’t go inside to the gym to use the toilet,” he said.
“They’re (the government) saying being out in the sun is safer than being indoors but there’s no evidence.
“Cleaning protocols in hospitality are no more stringent than what we have in ours, we can’t share equipment and we have to clean equipment after every use.
“We follow all the same rules, so why can’t we go inside?”
Wodonga gym owner are hopeful changes will be made on October 19.
Manager of F45 Wodonga Gudi Gigliotti said she was just trying to stay positive after also losing business to Albury.
“At the moment all gyms are closed, but we are running up to four boot camps a day with up to 10 people down at the park,” Ms Gigliotti said.
“There is people that have gone to Albury, which I understand.
“If you’ve got a gym you can attend instead of a boot camp spot where you might get in because we’ve only got 10 spots.”
Despite the loss of business, she said many of the members had been very supportive.
“Our clients have been really good and supported us through lockdown,” Ms Gigliotti said.
“We’ve had clients who have continued their membership even if they’re not attending classes.
“I’m hoping on the 19th we can go into the gym, but I don’t want to get my hopes up, I just want to take it as it comes.”
Contact Cassandra at cassandra.glover@news.com.au
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