Gyms gear up for reopening in Valley Stream

At Blink Fitness in Valley Stream, distance markers are already outside. Patrons and employees alike must have their temperature taken upon entering the gym.

Peter Belfiore/Herald

With the official ok from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, gyms across the state will be able to reopen on Monday, Aug. 24 for the first time since their closure in mid March in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Workouts will look a bit different, however. The state has ordered that gyms be limited to about 33 percent their capacity, and face coverings be worn by patrons and employees at all times. Air filters must also be upgraded to a certain level of filtration to ensure the coronavirus does not linger in the air as it has been known to in poorly ventilated indoor areas.

In Valley Stream, Blink Fitness, on Sunrise Highway and Rockaway Avenue plans to reopen Monday. It is one of nine Blink locations on the Island, and one of the more popular in the area, according to David Collignon, senior vice president of operations for Blink.

He said the company’s gym reopenings in New York will be drawing from its experience in other states, and outlined a number of safety procedures in place intended to minimize the chance of infection.

“It was really important for us to give members a sense of confidence that they feel safe,” Collignon said.

In addition to the regulations required by the state, the measures include social distancing markers, a touch less entry system and an air filtration system upgraded with Merv 13 and HEPA filters, which screen most particles out of the air.

Machines have been moved, and some taken out of use to maintain six feet of distance between them, and Collignon said maintenance employees would be performing sanitization sweeps throughout the day and nightly cleanings with electrostatic spray guns. Additionally, the Valley Stream facility’s shower and water fountain facilities would remain closed for the time being.