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Phase One re-opening restrictions in effect
A sign at Physical Therapy Down Under gives social distancing requirements. The Physical Therapy Down Under and Fitness Center gym is reopening today under strict social distancing and continued cleaning of machines and weights. The management asks that people leave at least one machine of room between themselves and other people and wipe down the equipment thoroughly after use.
Physical Therapy Down Under and Fitness Center is opening its gym today under the requirements and allowances of Phase One of the state re-opening plan.
Hours of operation of the gym are Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Co-owner Kristi Parrotte said under Phase One directions from Gov. Steve Bullock the facility's maximum capacity is 75 at all times.
She said because of Phase One the gym is not allowed to be open for 24 hours.
"We have to stay open during staffed hours to make sure that all of the restrictions and stuff like that are being followed," she said.
Sanitizer stations are set up throughout the facility for people to use, she said. It is required for people to use when they enter and leave the building.
It is important, she said, for people to scan their membership card when they enter and leave the building to keep track of the number of members at all times.
"Anything you touch we want you to sanitize," Parrotte said. "We've got sanitizer all over the place and disposable towels because we're not allowed to use cloths towels."
Masks are also available for purchase for $5, but they are not mandatory, she said.
"We've kind of gone big and beyond, I think, what the governor is asking because we want to make sure gyms can hurriedly get into Phase Two and to show them that we are a clean environment. And it's important for people to come in and work out and be healthy," she added. "When your mind and body is healthy everything can stay healthy. In my head, I really think that if we're healthy fit-wise and body-wise that we're going to be able to fight off diseases and illnesses much better than if we're at home and stressing out."
To remind people to follow that 6-foot distance, she said, signs are placed on all gym equipment.
Every other piece of equipment may be used at one time to maintain that 6-foot distance, she added.
"All pieces of equipment are available for use, but if somebody is on a machine that's next to a machine that you want to use, you need to wait and use a different machine first," Parrotte said.
Her husband, co-owner and physical therapist Daimon Parrotte, said the physical therapy side, which stayed open as an essential service, had slowed down during the initial shut-down.
"Now that doctors are coming back we are getting a lot more referrals from the doctors - physical therapy is picking up," he said. "We're looking forward to using the gym more, and we'll be making sure patients and gym members will be separated, maintaining good distances and maintaining good cleaning."
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