When will gyms reopen in Melbourne: Gyms to open from November 8
A Werribee gym owner is jumping for joy at news metropolitan Melbourne gyms can finally open from November 8, but the industry is fighting what it says are “ridiculous” patron caps that will stop some from opening.
West
Don't miss out on the headlines from West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Gyms will reopen in metropolitan Melbourne from November 8 after being closed for almost seven months.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Monday a raft of new freedoms for lockdown fatigued Melburnians, including that fitness centres will finally be able to open their doors.
Vic Active spokesman Tim Schleiger told the Leader earlier on Monday metropolitan gyms needed to open at the same time as gyms across regional Victoria, which Mr Andrews said on Sunday would be permitted to open from Wednesday, October 28.
Other freedoms Mr Andrews announced in his press conference on Monday for metropolitan Melbourne included shops, beauty, restaurants and bars would be permitted to open from this Wednesday.
Mr Schleiger said it was “ridiculous” fitness centres were still being delayed but could open in regional Victoria.
He also said the patron caps of 10 people per space up to a maximum of 20 people per gym, subject to a one person per 8sq m rule, might stop some from opening.
“As of Wednesday you’ll be able to sit there for four hours getting a tattoo but you can’t go to the gym,” Mr Schleiger said.
“If you’re a big brand club, like a big chain club like a Fitness First, 20 people is just not viable.”
Mr Schleiger said gyms in Queensland and New South Wales opened with a limit of one person per 4sq m and had proven they could operate safely.
He said Vic Active and the fitness industry would continue to lobby the State Government to relax its rules and place more importance on Victorian’s physical and mental health.
Wyndham residents overwhelmingly voted in support of opening gyms in a recent Leader Facebook poll.
12RND Fitness Werribee owner Simon Kennedy said the government’s announcement on Monday came as a massive relief.
His gym opened briefly earlier this year between Melbourne first and second virus waves and he said they’d stepped up their cleaning to ensure it was safe.
“Lots of members have already contacted us and are very excited to get back,” Mr Kennedy said.
MORE NEWS:
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE: GYMS CLOSED FOR GOOD DUE TO LOCKDOWN