Long Island Gyms Look To Outdoor Classes As Closures Linger On

LONG ISLAND, NY— As gym-goers and gym owners enter the sixth month of gyms being closed across Long Island, a new workout option is popping up: outdoor group classes. Spin cycling classes have been moved to gym parking lots, and other group workout classes are being offered outside, giving Long Islanders a taste of the gym life many have missed since the coronavirus pandemic closed down gyms.

Johnny Moya, the owner of independent East Islip gym FitLife, told Patch that as soon as gyms were given the green light to hold outdoor classes, he jumped at the opportunity.

"For one thing it's a way to keep in touch with the community and provide a service. Our members look to the gym not only to stay physically fit but mentally fit, as well."

FitLife has been offering cycling, body sculpt and yoga classes in their parking lot on Main Street and Moya says he's seen a big demand.

"A lot of our members are just waiting for us to open up, and some people now taking the classes aren't even our members. They are people who are looking to get out of the house after being quarantined so long."

The YMCA is another gym that has been offering outdoor classes since July. Members can choose to reactive their memberships and attend outdoor cycling classes and body pump classes. The Patchouge, Huntington and Bay Shore YMCA locations have also reopened their lap pool lanes, available by advanced reservation.

Gym memberships at FitLife, however, are still frozen since gyms were mandated to close in March, and class-goers pay by the class. Memberships, however, are the meat and potatoes of a gym's revenue and Moya is struggling to understand why gyms are one business he feels have been left behind in the reopening.

"It's probably the worst thing that could have happened. I understand the gravity, but at some point you have to look at the data— feels like we are getting left beyond."

He feels they can safely reopen, with parameters, if given a chance. And once gyms do reopen, Moya thinks there will be pent-up demand.

"I think there are going to be more people who are conscious of being physically fit, to keep up their immunity" and to stay healthy.