Under level two lockdown, gyms have been allowed to operate.
However, the fitness industry counted the initial decision of the government to close gyms during the lockdown as irrational.
The closure affected close to 29,000 staff members in the fitness industry because a thousand number of gyms became shutdown in the country.
Nomafrench Mbombo, Western Cape Health MEC believes that gyms should be count as an essential service.
She said fitness clubs help to improve health and could reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.
“When we talk about the whole definition it’s not only about the disease but it’s also about the physical health, the emotional, spiritual health and that’s the definition of the World Health Organisation,” said Western Cape Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo.
Fit SA’s – Grant Austin said the reopening of gyms happened quite on time.
“I think if it had gone on until September human nature says that people would have started exercising next year,” said Fit SA spokesperson Grant Austin.
“Lucky we were open in the nick of time and we feel very strongly that our industry is going to survive this and come back much stronger.”
The fitness industry has over two million members and worth R21 billion.
Moroever, this will require gyms to adhere to strict protocols so as to remain in business.
