Denver, CO – Studies show exercise may protect against COVID-19 complications, but your gym may not open again due to shutdown orders.
Runner’s World recently reported on a review by Zhen Yan, PhD, of the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
Basically, exercise (especially cardiovascular) creates an antioxidant called “extracellular superoxide dismutase” (EcSOD). The study strongly supports that this antioxidant from regular exercise protects against acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is a leading cause of death in COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Now, you can go run outside, and that is fantastic! However, many people rely on their gym to get this exercise. Some people NEED access to low impact cardio equipment.
Three Gold’s Gym locations are reportedly closing permanently in Colorado Springs. These are not the only gyms falling victim to Polis’ “Stay at Home” order. Many are on their last leg financially, and Phase 2 of Polis’ COVID-19 response is not going to fix the problem.
Phase 2 keeps gyms closed, but may allow one on one personal training. That is not enough business for gyms to balance their budget. It is also obstructive to people who just need access to a piece of equipment that can be sanitized after use.
A better solution
Whatever it looks like, gyms need to be allowed to open up. If that means they have to enforce CDC social distancing guidelines, we are sure gyms are happy to comply.
Perhaps they can schedule facility use, or limit the total number of occupants like other open businesses. The bottom line is, Polis’ plan is not enough for gyms to pay their bills or let people return to their exercise routines.
COVID-19 is supposed to be with us for an extended period of time. If that is the case, people need to be allowed to work out, and gyms that provide these services should be allowed to open with safety in mind.
Polis’ one size fits all mandates are not workable, and gyms will continue to close permanently under Phase 2.
If Polis has his way, your gym may not open again.
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