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PH fitness alliance pushes for reopening of gyms

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/10/18/anytimefitness-101817.jpg"/><figcaption>A woman tries the equipment at the newly opened Anytime Fitness gym in Makati City. <em>ABS-CBN News/File</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA -- An alliance of the largest fitness clubs in the Philippines believes that gyms can be a safe place amid the pandemic.</p><p>In a statement, the Philippine Fitness Alliance pointed out that it has not recorded COVID-19 transmissions in the months that its member establishments were open.</p><p>The group represents brands such as Anytime Fitness, Celebrity Fitness, Fitness First, Gold&#x27;s Gym, Slimmers World, and UFC Gym.</p><p>&quot;We are aware that various sectors have requested for gyms to remain closed because they contribute to a faster spread of the virus. What is the basis of this allegation?&quot; the alliance asked in a statement posted on the Facebook page of Anytime Fitness Philippines.</p><p>&quot;It is clearly debunked by our experience and those of our peers abroad,&quot; it stressed. &quot;The gyms we represent had more than 600,000 member check-ins in the months we were open, and to date we had zero club transmissions of the virus!&quot;</p><div><script src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&amp;version=v2.5" async="" type="text/javascript"></script></div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AnytimeFitnessPhilippines/posts/3005994562858656" data-width="auto"> </div><p>According to the statement, the Philippine Fitness Alliance was formed as the pandemic continues to threaten the &quot;future of the fitness industry,&quot; with thousands of employees losing jobs and having reduced work hours.</p><p>Some top executives of fitness clubs in the country also shared their thoughts on why gyms can be &quot;a safe place to boost your immunity&quot; amid the pandemic.</p><p>&quot;With risk mitigation and cleaning protocols in place, fitness facilities are safe for members, the community, and staff alike,&quot; said Ryan Cheal, chief operating officer of Anytime Fitness Asia.</p><p>&quot;There have been up to 188,044 visits (in our gym network) with zero on-site transmissions. The data itself is testament to how safe gym facilities are during the pandemic,&quot; he added.</p><p>Desiree Moy, president of Slimmers World, for her part believes that with safety protocols in place, it is &quot;highly unlikely&quot; that gyms will be a &quot;super spreader.&quot;</p><p>&quot;Establishments like groceries, hospitals, and gyms can only provide maximum protection by setting up strict health protocols, but the bottomline is that one&#x27;s safety is always dependent on the person&#x27;s actions,&quot; she said. </p><div><strong>Related video:</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameBorder="0" height="100%" id="ivsplayer01" scrolling="no" src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&amp;key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&amp;spid=3001339&amp;vid=1644985" width="100%"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>An alliance of the largest fitness clubs in the Philippines believes that gyms can be a safe place amid the pandemic. </p>

An alliance of the largest fitness clubs in the Philippines believes that gyms can be a safe place amid the pandemic.