Fitness and Well-being

State guidelines drafted by Christ’s department say gyms can reopen at 25% capacity once a county hits moderate transmission rates but must commit to implementing strategies to prevent the spread of the virus. Gyms are also urged to use a reservation system. Bars and nightclubs also can open at 50% occupancy levels, but only if they convert to restaurant service and implement stringent health department guidelines. Bars with no food service must remain closed.

A gym in Phoenix went above and beyond to follow COVID-19 health guidance and were approved by the state to reopen. Some gyms weren't so lucky.

As of Wednesday, August 19, several businesses have been approved, including movie theaters, bars, and gyms. AZDHS says duplicate business names reflect different locations. They did not give exact locations.

Judge Timothy Thomason of Maricopa County Superior Court ruled on August 17 that there was no indication that Ducey’s reopening plan for gyms violated due process standards. The judge wrote that Mountainside Fitness “has not even given the process a chance to work.”

At least one major gym group in the valley is back open. EoS Fitness says they struck a deal with the state to reopen, but as FOX 10's Steve Nielsen reports, dozens of others are still waiting.

Tangible Fitness in Phoenix opened its doors for business on Aug. 11 despite Governor Ducey's orders that gyms need to apply for reopening once a lower positivity rate is reached. The next day, the state health department demanded its closure. Tangible Fitness in Phoenix reopened despite governor's orders, state demanding its closure

What's next for Mountainside Fitness? FOX 10's John Hook talked to the gym's owner about the governor's new guidelines for reopening.

The standoff between Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and health club owners sharpened as a judge rejected the governor's request to delay the process for reopening health clubs now closed for five weeks because of the pandemic.