Some fitness centers across the state are pushing back after Governor Doug Ducey this week ordered another partial shutdown of certain businesses, including indoor gyms, as a measure to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Lifetime Fitness and certain Orangetheory Fitness centers, including the Flagstaff location, are among some indoor gyms refusing to close under the Governor’s executive order. They say they’ve followed strict protocols for safety and should be able to continue operating. KNAU spoke to some members of Orangetheory who say the fitness center told them they could operate under the closure order because they are considered a “spa”, "studio," or a “luxury health club.” Orangetheory did not immediately respond to KNAU’s request for comment. The City of Flagstaff was not immediately able to locate the company's business permit. Mountainside Fitness in Phoenix plans to sue Governor Ducey, saying the closure of indoor gyms is arbitrary within the scope of the pandemic. The company was cited yesterday for defying the executive order. Many indoor fitness centers currently closed under the executive order are offering online classes to members, while some are still conducting private training sessions. Some of the fitness centers KNAU spoke to say the closure order is unclear with regard to how businesses can operate under certain types of licensing.
