Be Strong
Gym owner Drew Whitted (photo) didn't want his
clients to give up on their fitness goals while abiding by Illinois'
stay-at-home order. So, he told members to come pick up equipment and take
it with them, free of charge.
Whitted is
among the many across the US who had to close his business' doors amid the
coronavirus pandemic. But, he knew many of his members were missing their
regular workout routines -- so he told members they could sign up to check out
items to use at home while the studio is closed.
About 80
members of Be Strong Gym took Whitted up on his offer. In total, the gym
distributed about $40,000 worth of equipment, including barbells, weights,
exercise bikes, rowers and mats.
"It
was awesome," Whitted said. "We cleared the gym out in less than two
hours."
The gym has
been holding online training sessions every day, so members can work out
together virtually.
Currently
eight people work at the gym, and Whitted said he plans to keep paying them for
as long as the shutdown lasts.
"My
staff will not miss a single dollar for their paycheck for as long as it
takes," he said.
Before the
pandemic hit Paulette Cocco used to work out at Be Strong three or four times a
week. She was able to borrow a barbell, some weights and a heavy wall ball.
She said the
online workouts have helped keep the gym's community spirit. "So you see
people posting their pictures and their workouts and makes you feel ...
pressured, almost like 'I gotta get my workout in '"
Whitted offered
members a free month to make up for the time that the gym has been closed. But he
got calls from several members insisting the gym still take their dues.
"I
personally don't want to take that offer because he's been so generous,"
Cocco said. Her oldest daughter and her husband have started working out with
her, and they might join the gym when it reopens.
Whitted
said one pro of people having to stay at home is that many are getting their
families involved in their workouts.
"Now I
see a whole family getting through this tough time doing these workouts
together, bonding together, becoming healthier and happier together as a family
unit. I expect the equipment will flow back in once I can reopen because
members will be excited to work out together again.”
From CNN (edited)
