COLORADO SPRINGS — Governor Jared Polis' announcement on Monday to close all gyms, casinos, and theaters for the next 30 days is causing concern for many business owners.
"The last 24 hours have been hard," said Mary Strada, owner of the Colorado Springs Jazzercise studio. Strada, like many fitness center owners is figuring out the next steps for the time being as the impact will likely be felt for months.
"It's going to be different, but you know hopefully it's not for long, we really hope it's not for long," said Strada. While the Governor's closure is for 30 days, many owners say they fear an extension of the closure as concerns of COVID-19 grow.
Strada says the well-being of her customers is a big priority. While the doors are closed she's offering a streaming service for her customers made available through Jazzercise Inc.
For many Coloradans, the trip to the gym is a ritual and an outlet to meet people.
"I'm worried about people not having that social interaction and that ability to see their friends on a daily basis," said Strada.
Other owners in the business like Duane Johnston, owner of Accolade Fitness echoed that sentiment.
"We have lots of friends, lots of relationships and that's probably the part we're going to miss the most."
As a locally owned gym, Johnston says he doesn't have the ability of providing an at home work out service. He will be sending his customers refunds in the coming days.
"We're in a unique situation because our billing date is on the 17th and as they say we couldn't put the toothpaste back in the tube," Johnston said.
