BOZEMAN — Gyms and fitness centers were able to open back up in Montana on May 15, but as with every opening, that means limitations.
“This is going to be one of our first classes that we’ve held outside now that Governor Bullock lifted gyms to be able to teach classes outside, so this is our first one really back and at it,” explained Jennifer Cade, the owner of Forever Strong.
It was good news when gyms were told they could reopen, but for this fitness studio it came with a bit of disappointment.
“When I got the directives and saw that studios had to teach outside, it was heartbreaking, confusing on why we have to be outside when we clean our equipment before and after classes, and now gyms can have people coming in and out where they don’t have it controlled. Where someone’s cleaning their stuff for them. So, definitely a little heartbreaking for us as a studio to have to be outside to teach our classes,” Cade said.
Forever Strong only offers fitness classes, so they’re now largely dependent on the weather. So, this business owner had to think of a backup plan.
“I got ahold of all of the members and said ‘hey I’ve got equipment that you guys can borrow while we’re going through this, and we’ve done zoom calls with them. Once he made the directive that we had to stay at home even longer, I rented out my bikes so all of my members have all of my equipment right now: bikes, benches, weights, everything," she said.
But for this studio owner, she’s left with some unanswered questions.
“I definitely want to know why we’re outside when the regular gym member can walk freely through the gym and unfortunately group fitness is out. What makes us different that we have to be outside doing our stuff?” Cade asked.
Forever Strong will continue making adjustments so their members can stay active throughout this pandemic. Cade says she’s reached out to Gov. Bullock’s office for answers, only to be advised to refer back to the guidelines.
