Fitness clubs closing

[Yucatan2]

I see in this morning’s paper that the fitness clubs at the recreation centers are closing starting Monday 7/19. I started going again a few weeks ago, and have never seen more than a handful of people there.....
Has anyone heard if someone had Covid at a gym, or was infected at a gym? It doesn’t seem like other activities are cancelled (I also belong to a sculpting group at Mulberry).

[queasy27]

Has anyone heard if someone had Covid at a gym, or was infected at a gym? It doesn’t seem like other activities are cancelled (I also belong to a sculpting group at Mulberry).

I don't know about possible infections at a gym, but the line dancing classes I attend have been pushed back from August to September for possible reopening. This was at the direction of the recreation department (although the instructor I know isn't ready to resume, either).

[Ladygolfer93]

Just a thought here. Our property owner fees here are called amenity fees since we do not get lawn service, garbage service, different things included like some places. The golf courses are open, but otherwise, in reality, the many lessons, crafts, skills, offered here and included in the amenities, are dependent on the good will of talented friends and neighbors ! They are are not "amenities" at all. I suppose some do use the public pools even now in these times, and of course there are golfers, but my insurance company is now crediting my account every month due to the reduced number of hours I use my automobile. Wonder, should we not all be getting a credit at least on these monthly "amenity" fees ? Not a lot to do, not the "fault" of the developers, but then, the virus is not the "fault" of my insurance company either, they just feel a moral/ethical need to be "fair".

[Jayhawk]

Just a thought here. Our property owner fees here are called amenity fees since we do not get lawn service, garbage service, different things included like some places. The golf courses are open, but otherwise, in reality, the many lessons, crafts, skills, offered here and included in the amenities, are dependent on the good will of talented friends and neighbors ! They are are not "amenities" at all. I suppose some do use the public pools even now in these times, and of course there are golfers, but my insurance company is now crediting my account every month due to the reduced number of hours I use my automobile. Wonder, should we not all be getting a credit at least on these monthly "amenity" fees ? Not a lot to do, not the "fault" of the developers, but then, the virus is not the "fault" of my insurance company either, they just feel a moral/ethical need to be "fair".

Do you expect a rebate if you leave on a 2 week vacation? No, because whether they are used or not, the amenities require maintenance and staffing year round. Insurance companies can directly track a reduction in losses, but utilities, maintenance, etc. do not stop for the virus. That's why snowbird homeowners pay the amenity fee all year long, even though many are here for just a few months.

[Villageswimmer]

I think the OP may have a point. Perhaps operating costs should be compared—full operation vs reduced.

Are all personnel being paid throughout these months? Are utility costs the same? Janitorial? Etc.

This could continue for a long time. In fairness, no one should profit from it.

Perhaps the transparent approach would be for TV to disclose operating costs from prior years vs this year and adjust amenity fees accordingly. When things return to normal, readjust. It may very well be the honorable thing to do.

[Bogie Shooter]

Just a thought here. Our property owner fees here are called amenity fees since we do not get lawn service, garbage service, different things included like some places. The golf courses are open, but otherwise, in reality, the many lessons, crafts, skills, offered here and included in the amenities, are dependent on the good will of talented friends and neighbors ! They are are not "amenities" at all. I suppose some do use the public pools even now in these times, and of course there are golfers, but my insurance company is now crediting my account every month due to the reduced number of hours I use my automobile. Wonder, should we not all be getting a credit at least on these monthly "amenity" fees ? Not a lot to do, not the "fault" of the developers, but then, the virus is not the "fault" of my insurance company either, they just feel a moral/ethical need to be "fair".

I guess you missed these other threads where others have whined about refunds......
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/how-about-activity-fee-rebate-307643/?highlight=amenity+fees
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/priority-pool-memberships-extended-306960/?highlight=amenity+fees
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/will-we-reimbursed-our-amenity-fees-306187/?highlight=amenity+fees

[Heartnsoul]

Oh no. I have also been going. No problem that I know of. I wish they would remain OPEN. PHYSICAL health so important

[Heartnsoul]

What section are u seeing this in?? Just looked and not seeing it. I will be very upset if they close again. I've been going regularly and didnt see any problems. we wipe down machines carefully and try to distance. They need to reimburse us if true. The gym is Extremely important, especially now. It's too hot to walk outside or exercise outdoors. THE gym is vitally important for physical and mental health. give me a break villages. Keep the gyms OPEN!!

[WhiteToast]

Just a thought here. Our property owner fees here are called amenity fees since we do not get lawn service, garbage service, different things included like some places. The golf courses are open, but otherwise, in reality, the many lessons, crafts, skills, offered here and included in the amenities, are dependent on the good will of talented friends and neighbors ! They are are not "amenities" at all. I suppose some do use the public pools even now in these times, and of course there are golfers, but my insurance company is now crediting my account every month due to the reduced number of hours I use my automobile. Wonder, should we not all be getting a credit at least on these monthly "amenity" fees ? Not a lot to do, not the "fault" of the developers, but then, the virus is not the "fault" of my insurance company either, they just feel a moral/ethical need to be "fair".
Your post is not unreasonable a topic. You’re not whining. Grumpy old men.

[Debfrommaine]

What section are u seeing this in?? Just looked and not seeing it. I will be very upset if they close again. I've been going regularly and didnt see any problems. we wipe down machines carefully and try to distance. They need to reimburse us if true. The gym is Extremely important, especially now. It's too hot to walk outside or exercise outdoors. THE gym is vitally important for physical and mental health. give me a break villages. Keep the gyms OPEN!!

I called the rec dept today and the gyms in the rec centers are closing on Monday, until further notice. Gal on the phone said it is precautions due to COVID, but they expect to reopen at a later date.

[JoMar]

Your insurance company reduces your rates because their liability is reduced not because they are nice people. There have been many threads on here on the subject along with some financial information if you care to search. Also, The Villages is not a democracy but you can look at all the budgets and past expenditures, you just can't really do anything about them.

[Heartnsoul]

IM REALLY UPSET they are closing Again. They can take precautions in the gym by spacing out, having hand sanitizers and staff to clean machines. Great way again for the villages to save money by not having to hire STAFF. No excuse for this. Health is #1 of importance and just to dam HOT OUTSIDE

[Jayhawk]

IM REALLY UPSET they are closing Again. No excuse for this. Health is #1 of importance

You're angry they are closing for health reasons, then say health is #1 of importance?

Serenity now.

:pray:

[Rosie1950]

You're angry they are closing for health reasons, then say health is #1 of importance?

Serenity now.

:pray:

Is that like an oxymoron?

[Bonnevie]

it's interesting that The Villages is taking this step when DeSantis isn't doing it for the state. Again, you only have to look at the actions of The Villages to realize how big a threat they believe this is to our community.

[Heartnsoul]

Of course I'm upset. Cant exercise OUTSIDE in heat and humidity. the gyms can remain open using safety precautions. space out treadmill use, bikes, etc. Lots of hand sanitizers and constantly wiping down. We DO need to continue living and Not like hermits. Health is #1 and no exercise does Not do a body good, especially a sr one. I dont consider golf exercise. so pay the staff and keep the gyms OPEN.

[Bogie Shooter]

Benefits of daily walks
Walking can be a good way for you to stay healthy. When you take up walking daily, your health can improve dramatically. Here are some powerful benefits of walking every day for 30 minutes:

Improved digestion. Walking can help keep you regular.
Mood improvement. Walking daily helps reduce depression, anxiety, and even insomnia. Bonus points if you’re walking outside with a friend. Walking in the sunlight will fight off seasonal affective disorder.
Reduction in health risks such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers.
Weight loss and improved body composition. When you start walking daily you might begin to see yourself losing weight. Even if the scale doesn’t move much, watch for inches to slip away as your body composition improves.
Improved creativity. Researchers have found that going for a walk can help you come up with solutions to problems, which means your lunch break at work is the perfect time to take a walk.
Reduced or improved varicose veins in your legs.




If you want more info on walking.....Google

[JoMar]

Of course I'm upset. Cant exercise OUTSIDE in heat and humidity. the gyms can remain open using safety precautions. space out treadmill use, bikes, etc. Lots of hand sanitizers and constantly wiping down. We DO need to continue living and Not like hermits. Health is #1 and no exercise does Not do a body good, especially a sr one. I dont consider golf exercise. so pay the staff and keep the gyms OPEN.

I kinda agree, for those that really want to be in the gyms they should pay whatever the cost is to staff and clean the equipment. Or, if they need to be there and the people that man the gyms are concerned and don't want to be there then those that use it should be trained to man it and clean it on a rotating basis. If you want something special then put some skin in the game.

[queasy27]

As an alternate to the gym, there are many online exercise videos that can be done at home with no equipment, plus DVDs from the library, TV series such as Classical Stretch, etc. Aerobic workouts plus body weight exercises can be very effective, especially when the intent is improved overall fitness rather than bulking up.

[Two Bills]

What used to make me smile when waiting outside local Fitness Centre (picking up wife from line dancing) was watching the cars go round the parking lot looking for a space close to the entrance, to save them walking too far!

[graciegirl]

As an alternate to the gym, there are many online exercise videos that can be done at home with no equipment, plus DVDs from the library, TV series such as Classical Stretch, etc. Aerobic workouts plus body weight exercises can be very effective, especially when the intent is improved overall fitness rather than bulking up.

My husband trims and maintains over two dozen bushes and trees that are well over ten feet tall and dozens more that are smaller all around the house. He drags out ladders and climbs them and snips still he sweats and then starts all over again. He weeds and he replants and he digs up and throws out bushes that have become too large. Recently a newer neighbor yelled out to him that she had a great bunch who trimmed her bushes for only $150. He replied back that this was both his hobby and his exercise. It may not be aerobic but it most definitely is moving oneself around if you are 80 years old.

[ruralgoddess]

I think the OP may have a point. Perhaps operating costs should be compared—full operation vs reduced.

Are all personnel being paid throughout these months? Are utility costs the same? Janitorial? Etc.

This could continue for a long time. In fairness, no one should profit from it.

Perhaps the transparent approach would be for TV to disclose operating costs from prior years vs this year and adjust amenity fees accordingly. When things return to normal, readjust. It may very well be the honorable thing to do.
Wouldn't electricity fees then go up because so many people are staying at home more?

[Two Bills]

My husband trims and maintains over two dozen bushes and trees that are well over ten feet tall and dozens more that are smaller all around the house. He drags out ladders and climbs them and snips still he sweats and then starts all over again. He weeds and he replants and he digs up and throws out bushes that have become too large. Recently a newer neighbor yelled out to him that she had a great bunch who trimmed her bushes for only $150. He replied back that this was both his hobby and his exercise. It may not be aerobic but it most definitely is moving oneself around if you are 80 years old.

Got to agree.
It has been our go too relief from all this lockdown stuff.
Gardening is great exercise.
Uses every muscle in the body, and the reward for a hard day at it?
Great satisfaction, and Ibuprofen!:icon_wink:

[Joeint]

Of course I'm upset. Cant exercise OUTSIDE in heat and humidity. the gyms can remain open using safety precautions. space out treadmill use, bikes, etc. Lots of hand sanitizers and constantly wiping down. We DO need to continue living and Not like hermits. Health is #1 and no exercise does Not do a body good, especially a sr one. I dont consider golf exercise. so pay the staff and keep the gyms OPEN.

Planet Fitness in Leesburg about a 15-minute drive $10/month.

[Marathon Man]

Of course I'm upset. Cant exercise OUTSIDE in heat and humidity. the gyms can remain open using safety precautions. space out treadmill use, bikes, etc. Lots of hand sanitizers and constantly wiping down. We DO need to continue living and Not like hermits. Health is #1 and no exercise does Not do a body good, especially a sr one. I dont consider golf exercise. so pay the staff and keep the gyms OPEN.

What about the health of those working in the health club. You are willing to ignore the fact that they are exposed to everyone who enters the room because you do not want to do a little excersizing in you living room.

[Polar Bear]

...It may not be aerobic but it most definitely is moving oneself around if you are 80 years old.
Not aerobic??!!?? Then why am I breathing so hard after my yard work?!? :D

[Heartnsoul]

That is ridiculous. those working in the gyms have jobs like everyone else that is working. they sit behind a desk with a Mask on and arent close to us. And we enter with mask

[Heartnsoul]

Benefits of daily walks
Walking can be a good way for you to stay healthy. When you take up walking daily, your health can improve dramatically. Here are some powerful benefits of walking every day for 30 minutes:

Improved digestion. Walking can help keep you regular.
Mood improvement. Walking daily helps reduce depression, anxiety, and even insomnia. Bonus points if you’re walking outside with a friend. Walking in the sunlight will fight off seasonal affective disorder.
Reduction in health risks such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers.
Weight loss and improved body composition. When you start walking daily you might begin to see yourself losing weight. Even if the scale doesn’t move much, watch for inches to slip away as your body composition improves.
Improved creativity. Researchers have found that going for a walk can help you come up with solutions to problems, which means your lunch break at work is the perfect time to take a walk.
Reduced or improved varicose veins in your legs.




If you want more info on walking.....Google

My goodness I know ALL THE BENEFITS of walking. that is why I go to gym BUT WE LIVE IN FLA. You might be able to handle the heat AND HUMIDITY but I cant. I need AC so therefore will pay to use a gym

[Two Bills]

That is ridiculous. those working in the gyms have jobs like everyone else that is working. they sit behind a desk with a Mask on and arent close to us. And we enter with mask

.......and take it off when you really start huffing and puffing!

[graciegirl]

.......and take it off when you really start huffing and puffing!

You know as well as I do, Two Bills, that we need to stop posting on this subject or we will post something that might get us in the bad chair. I don't like being away from all of you when all this is happening. I really enjoy reading what people have to say and sometimes I am really, REALLY surprised that anyone could live all those decades and come to the conclusions that they do. But hey. As a group we are really interesting.

[Heartnsoul]

.......and take it off when you really start huffing and puffing!

Yes but NOT near anyone ESPECIALLY front desk

[Two Bills]

Yes but NOT near anyone ESPECIALLY front desk

Covid particles are airborne, and there is still debate how far they can travel in an enclosed enviroment.

[Marathon Man]

This conversation confirms that we need policy makers making decisions based on current knowledge and facts, without "I want" getting in the way of logical thinking.

[davem4616]

I see in this morning’s paper that the fitness clubs at the recreation centers are closing starting Monday 7/19. I started going again a few weeks ago, and have never seen more than a handful of people there.....
Has anyone heard if someone had Covid at a gym, or was infected at a gym? It doesn’t seem like other activities are cancelled (I also belong to a sculpting group at Mulberry).


get up early and go for walk...

you posted 'it doesn't seem like other activities are cancelled"

Do you actually live in The Villages ?????

[Heartnsoul]

Government has NOT PROVEN gyms are dangerous open our gyms.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

What used to make me smile when waiting outside local Fitness Centre (picking up wife from line dancing) was watching the cars go round the parking lot looking for a space close to the entrance, to save them walking too far!

When I worked in an office, i intentionally parked 1/4 mile away for the exercise, and never used the elevator, to go up 1-2 floors. These are mental games we play with ourselves, most times they are irrational to our stated goals.

sportzguy

[Yucatan2]

get up early and go for walk...

you posted 'it doesn't seem like other activities are cancelled"

Do you actually live in The Villages ?????

I meant the other activities currently ongoing at Mulberry Rec center, which includes sculpting and clay pottery groups. Yes, I have been a Villager since 2013 and am well aware of which activities are not available to us at this time. I heard from staff at Mulberry that there may not have been enough paying gym customers to merit keeping gym staff on at this time...there was abundant sanitizers and wipes for the equipment. Everyone I saw was diligent about sanitizing.
I do walk 3-4 miles several days a week, and play Beach Tennis and golf the other days. I enjoy going to the gym to use the weight equipment. Yes I have a few dumbells at home, but it’s not the same.

[themartianchick]

Covid particles are airborne, and there is still debate how far they can travel in an enclosed enviroment.

I am in NY instead of in FL due to COVID. Gyms are of particular concern right now because the COVID virus is airborne and can float and recirculate for a long time. While most other businesses in NY have reopened, gyms are not. We have received no definitive guidance on how or when it will be safe to do so. It is possible that gyms (at least in NY) will have to install UV systems in the ductwork to eliminate the virus and/or special HVAC systems to trap the particles. Equipment can be wiped down and socially distanced but the recirculating air is an issue.

[Halibut]

Equipment can be wiped down and socially distanced but the recirculating air is an issue.

I agree but take it even further. If A/C is a problem, why just gyms? One of the early outbreaks was from a group at a restaurant where epidemiologists were able to show that the spread from that table to others nearby was largely due to the air blowing in a specific direction.

People in gyms certainly tend to breathe heavily, but I'm looking askance at all public indoor spaces these days.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Do you expect a rebate if you leave on a 2 week vacation? No, because whether they are used or not, the amenities require maintenance and staffing year round. Insurance companies can directly track a reduction in losses, but utilities, maintenance, etc. do not stop for the virus. That's why snowbird homeowners pay the amenity fee all year long, even though many are here for just a few months.

There is a difference between choosing to go away for two weeks or choosing to be a snowbird and not having a choice whether or not to use amenities.

I attend a lot of clubs at rec centers that I gladly pay for. I don't have a problem paying for stuff that I choose not to use, but I'm not real happy about paying for stuff that I can't use.

[cmj1210]

That sounds just like my husbands exercise and then he jumps in the pool. This is what he enjoys and yes this is his exercise.


My husband trims and maintains over two dozen bushes and trees that are well over ten feet tall and dozens more that are smaller all around the house. He drags out ladders and climbs them and snips still he sweats and then starts all over again. He weeds and he replants and he digs up and throws out bushes that have become too large. Recently a newer neighbor yelled out to him that she had a great bunch who trimmed her bushes for only $150. He replied back that this was both his hobby and his exercise. It may not be aerobic but it most definitely is moving oneself around if you are 80 years old.

[cmj1210]

Agreed. I worked in one of those fitness centers until COVID. Once they said we could go back I asked how they were going to protect me. Well I ended up resigning.....no plexiglass, they did not supply masks. We were to make sure the machines remained cleaned. I suggested an outside cleaning service like MVP does and that was ignored. They do not protect their workers. Nuff said!


What about the health of those working in the health club. You are willing to ignore the fact that they are exposed to everyone who enters the room because you do not want to do a little excersizing in you living room.

[ffresh]

Agreed. I worked in one of those fitness centers until COVID. Once they said we could go back I asked how they were going to protect me. Well I ended up resigning.....no plexiglass, they did not supply masks. We were to make sure the machines remained cleaned. I suggested an outside cleaning service like MVP does and that was ignored. They do not protect their workers. Nuff said!

Have you considered the excessive additional cost to the (probably franchised) business to accomplish what you suggest? And, at the same time, much depleted revenue = recipe for disaster! You exercised your option; that's almost always possible - except with government edicts, of course :icon_wink:

Fred

[themartianchick]

People in gyms certainly tend to breathe heavily, but I'm looking askance at all public indoor spaces these days.

I have been restricting my visits to indoor public spaces, too. I'm just not confident that any of them are safe. I work in an office. Fortunately, we are able to socially distance effectively. I arrive at work early and clean all of the common areas. It isn't a part of my job, but I figure that I am only as safe as the rest of my coworkers. It only takes one infected person to spike a hotspot. I provide care to my 80+ year old mom. It isn't worth risking her life to make any unnecessary forays into public spaces. I do visit some local parks for hiking, biking, birdwatching and lounging by the water. I avoid other people. I am prepared to do these types of activities for the next year or so.