Tarrytown's The Fit Inn Plans Two-Part Reopening

TARRYTOWN, NY — The Fit Inn in Tarrytown offers personal and small-group training, and it's now planning a two-part reopening as Gov. Andrew Cuomo lifts restrictions across New York.

Owner Molly Canu told Patch the facility will reopen for personal training during Phase Two, and will again allow small-group training in Phase Four. Here's what else you should know about The Fit Inn's reopening.

Some of Canu's responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Which reopening phase applies to your business?

We will be opening as a one on one personal training facility, which will put us in phase 2 under "personal services". We won't offer classes again until phase 4, when gyms are allowed to open.

How has the closure affected your business in the short-term?

In the short term, we have lost about 60% of our revenue. We had to completely re-imagine our classes for a virtual setting. Most of our marketing was face-to-face marketing, like our sponsorships and booths with the local non-profit farmers market (TaSH) and Rivertown Runners Races. We also took part in local street fairs. We have had to find new ways to generate new business since the shut down.

The long-term?

In the long term: Fortunately, we already focused on small group and one-on-ones, and we expect to come back around to something close to normal. We also will continue to offer virtual classes in the long term, they have been a popular addition to our member's schedules.

What is the biggest struggle you’ve faced as you prepare to reopen your business?

We had an efficient cleaning and scheduling system in place pre-shutdown, and we feel confident that we can implement new safety procedures easily. Honestly, our biggest challenge is trying to sort our scheduling without proper childcare. We are a husband and wife team and parents of a 3-year-old. We are staying fairly busy and it has been a balancing act in terms of working and parenting. We are sure lots of people can relate.

What should your customers know about your business as it reopens?

We are taking our re-opening very seriously. The safety of our members and our own family is our top priority. Initially, we will be staggering training sessions so that only one takes place at a time. Once we re-open for classes, we will be reprogramming to create station workouts. Everyone will have their own space and weights with at least 6 feet between them.

We are providing each member with a disinfectant spray bottle and towels for their stations. We will stagger class times to allow for cleaning and time for members to leave before the next class comes in. Classes will all be pre-booked and capped at 50% capacity.

How can neighbors support your business as you begin the process of reopening?

Spread the word! We offer free complimentary sessions or classes for new members. Tell your friends.

What else should Patch readers know?

Exercise is so important to both your physical and mental health. Staying active during stressful times can help you manage the ups and downs. They are also finding more links to obesity and COVID-19 complications. Staying fit can help to put you in the strongest position to fight off some of the more terrible turns COVID-19 can take. We also want people to know that it is alright if you are struggling with routine right now. Stress can make you fatigued and unmotivated. Do your best and remember to be forgiving with yourself. We are all doing our best with what we have been handed.