SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Gym owners across New York State have been frustrated over the last four months. Several even came together to file a lawsuit against Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Despite these facts, one owner of a fitness club has found a way to open his gym back up, and he has a message for those paying attention.
Colin Vega, co-owner of VIP Fit Club in Rochester, New York, has managed to keep his gym running after a temporary shut down due to the coronavirus.
“I had equipment that was not being used so we were able to pivot as well, and we rented (out) several pieces of equipment to help subsidize the loss of income,” Vega said,
As the coronavirus took it’s toll on small business owners, Vega saw an opportunity he could not pass up.
“How can we stay compliant, not do anything that’s illegal, immoral, unethical, and provide a service for the client, which was most importantly exercise therapy,” Vega said.
Vega said business is not thriving yet, but he believes it will because although the gym isn’t as full as it used to be, there are still about 30-35 clients who are willingly paying for the membership despite not going to the gym. These members give Vega relief, he knows he has support from the community.
VIP Fit Club is surrounded by other competitor gyms in the area. One of the gyms prank called Vega to find out if the club was open and eventually, they called the police. Because Vega went about the process of reopening his gym in a legal manner and had support from his community, he was able to dismiss the situation.
“My argument to anybody that’s listening to this interview that would take the side of ‘I still don’t agree that gyms should be open,’ is I would ask what kind of intake process is done for any other– Walmart, Wegmans, any other facility?” He said, “Do they check your temperature? Are they asking where you’ve been? So, are they really deemed essential, or have we forgot how to survive?” Vega said.
Vega believes he can help those who are in the same position he was four months ago. He didn’t know the process and now that he’s gone through it, he’s questioning why others aren’t exploring the same opportunity; he welcomes anyone who wants to chat with him on the subject.
