CT Planet Fitness Members Talk Coronavirus Fitness Journey

Press release from Planet Fitness:

April 8, 2021

It’s been just over one year since Connecticut confirmed its first COVID-19 case. Like many other industries and businesses, the pandemic presented numerous challenges for fitness centers and their members.

After being shut down for about three months last spring, fitness centers across Connecticut re-opened in June with extensive safety measures in place. Planet Fitness implemented a variety of protocols to protect the health of its staff and members, including mask mandates, social distancing requirements, enhanced cleaning routines, digital check-ins, and other measures.

“Before the virus took over, I was down to 173 pounds. By the time restrictions lifted, I had gained more than 20 pounds because I wasn’t able to push myself as hard as I could at the gym,” said Norwich resident Peter Wolchesky. “I was so excited when we were finally able to go back to Planet Fitness.”

“I’m 74 years old, I have a new hip, I have asthma, I have a plate in my neck, and I’m due for another hip replacement. All of these problems make me very vulnerable to the coronavirus, and I still went back to Planet Fitness as soon as it re-opened last summer,” said Manchester resident Judy Orpheus. “That shows how much confidence I have that Planet Fitness is keeping its clubs safe and clean.”

Fitness centers have been utilized by thousands of Connecticut residents as a way to boost their physical and mental health during this challenging year. In addition to the physical benefits of exercise – an important tool to fight COVID-19 – working out also provides significant mental health benefits, including stress relief, reduced feelings of depression and anxiety, better sleep habits, and an opportunity for socialization.

“Knowing I have a place to go that gets me back into a schedule means a lot and has helped me feel less isolated,” said Milford resident Carmela Devito. “After the shutdown, it was nice to be able to talk to the Planet Fitness staff and visitors in person.”

Teens and college students have also found working out to be a valuable resource during COVID-19. “Ever since I started going to the gym in high school, I’ve noticed the mental health benefits it offers,” said Alyssa Mayer, a senior at Eastern Connecticut State University. “Now I rely on the gym as a way to relieve stress and it’s been great to have a safe place to do that during the pandemic.”

With thousands of Connecticut residents getting vaccinated against the virus daily, many of the state’s restrictions are being lifted, and businesses can ease capacity limits.

“We’re extremely proud of the progress Connecticut has made to combat COVID-19. However, the health and safety of our members and staff remains our number one priority,” said David Humphrey, CEO at ECP-PF Holdings Group, Inc. “Despite recent positive virus trends and more and more people getting vaccinated every day, we are committed to maintaining important safety measures, such as mask mandates, social distancing guidelines, and enhanced sanitization routines.”

This press release was produced by Planet Fitness. The views expressed here are the author's own.