Spartans Gym Kilsyth: Club wants coronavirus restriction eased for health and fitness industry
Gyms in Melbourne’s outer east are feeling the pinch, with several closing under the strain of lockdown restrictions. And another is $200,000 in rental debt – a figure which could rise by another $100,000 if it is not able to open for another two months.
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A Yarra Ranges gym team has revealed the true toll almost six months of coronavirus restrictions has taken on the Melbourne fitness hub.
Spartans Gym in Kilsyth is $200,000 in rental debt – a figure which could rise by another $100,000 if the business is not able to open until December.
Details around the State Government’s plan for gyms to reopen have been disappointing for the health and fitness industry with the Department of Health and Human Services flagging a November 23 opening date.
Industry Support and Recovery Minister MP Martin Pakula set up a meeting with industry lobby group Fitness Australia and Deputy Chief Health Officer Allen Cheng this week.
But for the Spartans team staying in people’s minds and keeping a community presence throughout the last few turbulent months has kept them going.
Managers Gabi Goodman and Lana Brewster said the front of gym cafe had allowed some sales to continue while allowing members to still feel connected.
Ms Brewster said some people had opted to continue paying their memberships as a show of support for the gym.
Gym owner Danny Vorhauer said the gym’s biggest expense was the rent.
“We haven’t had any major revenue since March and were only able to open for two weeks (mid shutdown),” Mr Vorhauer said.
He said while the landlords had been good, there would be money owing when lockdown finished, Mr Vorhauer said.
He said managers had received an email alerting the business to three other gyms in the area forced to close up shop because of the financial strain caused by restrictions.
Ms Brewster said there had been a strict cleaning regime in place at the gym for about five years, with a cleaning station, towel policy and hand sanitiser.
“Spartans is renowned for being a clean gym and we pride ourselves on that,” she said.
Mr Vorhauer said $10,000 a month was spent on having cleaners in seven days a week from 7pm to 5am.
But as part of the gym’s coronavirus safe procedures, a scanner had been installed which does not allow anyone above a certain temperature through the gates and sends and alert managers, he said.
Mr Vorhauer said there was also a self-check-in consul to lessen the amount of human contact.
He said the team was looking at setting up and outdoor gym, which would possibly allow them to open earlier than indoor.
“We’re trying to make the best of it and get through this,” he said.
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