#90 - Running Out Of Excuses - It’s Time to Reopen Gyms in NJ
It’s been one year since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic and every gym in New Jersey was made to close. If you’ve lost your fitness routine, you’re not alone - but it’s time to let go of excuses and get back on track as we’re starting to reopen gyms in NJ!
Reopen Gyms in NJ - Running List of Local Facilities
Has your gym reopened yet? Some local gyms, sadly, are not reopening at all. Here’s a running list of gyms that have reopened in Atlantic County. We’ve also listed the gyms that went out of business and/or declared bankruptcy since the pandemic.
Reopened gyms in Atlantic County NJ
Local NJ gyms that reopened after the shutdown
AtlantiCare Life Center
Island Gym
Somers Point Fitness
Local Gym and Fitness
Planet Fitness
Anytime Fitness
NJ gyms that went out of business and/or bankrupt
Tilton Fitness
Gold’s Gym
24 Hour Fitness
New York Health & Racquet Club
My Gym
PLAAY Fitness and Yoga
Motivation to Reopen Gyms in NJ
According to the owners of Camden County’s Atilis Gym, it was time to reopen gyms in NJ last spring. Despite threats, fines, and even an arrest, the team chose to reopen Atilis Gym in Bellmawr because they’d taken reasonable safety precautions and they didn’t agree with the shutdown. Ian Smith and Frank Trumbetti are running a crowdfunding campaign to help their franchise survive the lost income of being closed for two months and to cover a list of fines imposed by the state of NJ. They’ve raised nearly $500k already and hired a lawyer to represent them in court.
“All of our other safety measures have kept our members safe and as you can tell with the 83,000 visits and no outbreaks linked to the facility," says Ian Smith, co-owner of the facility. "People are ready to get back to life and we can do so in a safe manner without shutting down businesses and closing them for good. And Frank and I set out to prove that back in May with our safety protocol. It has been in place and has shown to be effective.”
Safety Precautions - Take Note Before Running To Reopened Gyms in NJ
After six months of forced closure at the executive orders of Governor Murphy, the ban on New Jersey gyms was partly lifted. Before taking the step to reopen gyms in NJ, a new set of safety precautions and COVID-related policies must be adopted and enforced.
Gyms and fitness centers in NJ must adhere to these policies:
Limit set at 35 percent of the gym’s capacity
Indoor classes must abide by the limit on indoor gatherings, currently up to 10 people
All people must remain socially distanced at 6 feet apart
Required temperature screening and questionnaire at the door
One-on-one personal training can occur assuming 6 feet of distance can be maintained
Low- or no-contact activities (e.g., racket ball, handball) are allowed
Keep doors and windows open where possible and utilize fans to improve ventilation.
Inspect and evaluate HVAC units to ensure that systems are operating properly
Limit locker room use to hand washing and restroom use
In gyms with pools, limit shower use to individually partitioned showers or communal showers with installed barriers/partitions; in other gyms, showers are not permitted
Shared saunas and steam rooms are not permitted
For a more complete list, see the policies and requirements set by the state in order to reopen gyms in NJ.
Running While Waiting to Reopen Gyms in NJ
When our NJ gyms shut down last spring, many locals turned to outdoor running. It’s a blessing in disguise because outdoor running is more rewarding than using a treadmill in a gym. Workout equipment seems mundane when you’ve experienced an invigorating run in the fresh air and sunshine, surrounded by interesting scenery. This is the best way to train for a 5K or other race!
In Atlantic County, NJ there are many beautiful places that are great for runners anytime of year.
Treat yourself to an official Keep Calm And Run To The Best You branded tee shirt or hoodie! Click to browse the workout gear and gadgets from Coach Tadris Parker’s online store.
Best Surfaces for Outdoor Running
It’s healthier for your knees, ankles, and feet if you’re running on a cushioned surface to absorb the impact of your stride. Here is a list of four types of surfaces that Tadris Parker recommends, in order of priority:
Track, like the cushioned one at Stockton University
Boardwalk, such as Atlantic City/Longport or Ocean City
Trails, like natural pathways at our local Atlantic County parks
Neighborhood streets and sidewalks where you live
Running On a Treadmill at Home
Treadmills are an option if running outside is not your cup of tea right now. Do you have a treadmill at home? Finding time for running will be easy and convenient while you’re waiting for your gym to reopen. Another perk: If you’re trying to figure out your stats and see how long you have to run to feel a runner’s high, it’s easier to do that on a treadmill, too.
However, there are some physical drawbacks to running on a treadmill. Your body may not be conditioned for uneven terrain or harsher weather if this is your primary running practice. Here’s a tip from Coach Tadris: Simulate an outdoor run by setting your treadmill on an incline at 1.5-2% to condition your body for running uphill or running against the wind.
Cross-Train for Running, With or Without the Gym
If your gym is still shut down and you want to lose the Quarantine 15, you've probably been looking for workout classes to join or online fitness videos to follow. Perfect! All runners should choose another fitness method so they can Cross-Train between running days. Too much of a good thing is a bad thing, and that includes running.
Coach Tadris recommends running 3 days a week and doing another form of exercise the other 3 days, ending with a rest day. Cross-Training makes you stronger, balanced, and flexible. That is why Cross-Training is so good for runners. It helps condition you to be better in your practice.
Great Options for Cross-Training
If you’re fortunate to be a member of a gym that is open, you should consider taking a new class and Cross-Training a few times a week. Here are the best options for Cross-Training runners:
Spin classes
Yoga
Swimming
Ballet/Dance
Aerial Yoga
Strength training
Rock climbing
Stay Ready, So You Don’t Have to Get Ready!
Running three days a week and Cross-Training three days a week is the ideal fitness plan. Don’t let closed gyms be an excuse for why you stopped running. Make cardio a priority whether you run outside or use a treadmill at home. Even if your gym is closed and races are cancelled, we all need to stay ready so we don’t have to get ready!