Five Towns gyms and bowling alleys prepare for reopening

New York State gym and fitness center owners received some long-awaited guidance Monday morning from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who announced Aug. 24 as their reopening date at 33 percent capacity as long as certain criteria are met.

Gyms and fitness facilities throughout the state have been closed for five months after being forced to shutter March 16 when stay-at-home orders were issued. “Localities have a role here,” Cuomo said. “They have to inspect gyms before they open or within two weeks before they open.”

Cuomo added that the state's .7 infection rate is the lowest it's been since the pandemic began. “Congratulations to New Yorkers. New Yorkers did what everyone said couldn’t be done. Going forward we must protect the progress by keeping the infection rate down," he said.

Orangetheory Fitness is located at 1312 Broadway in Hewlett. The director of Operations, Nick Locicero expressed his excitement upon hearing Cuomo’s announcement.

“We have heard the Governor’s announcement and are so excited to be able to get back to the workouts that we love to do indoors,” he said. “Once we have more information on our official reopening date we will share on social media and our members will receive an email with all the information.” Orangetheory has been offering outdoor fitness classes beginning in July.

Cuomo said as part of the reopening procedures, localities must inspect gyms and fitness centers within two weeks to confirm they’re meeting operating requirements, including ventilation and distancing rules. Local authorities will also determine if indoor classes can be held on a case by case basis, Cuomo added. Masks will be mandatory.

A group of more than 1,500 gym owners from across the state, including hundreds based on Long Island, recently filed a class action lawsuit against Cuomo, New York state, and the state attorney general in an attempt to force the state to allow them to reopen.

Along with gyms, bowling alleys are also allowed to reopen. Nick Paxinos is the owner of Woodmere Lanes and Backstage located on Broadway. He noted that the lanes reopened on Aug. 17. “We have since renovated the bowling facility with touch less bathrooms and more space to keep distance,” he said. “I recommend customers to make reservations before coming in and if you don’t feel well, please stay home.”