Less than 24 hours after ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Gov. Doug Ducey lifted coronavirus restrictions that closed gyms for two months, a ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ fitness center launched its first class, bright and early.
The 4:30 a.m. start time at Psychosomatic Evolution didn’t deter two women from showing up for a weightlifting class Wednesday morning.
The class at the boutique gym on South 12th Avenue was previously attended by about six women, but owner Amanda Walker wants to keep the classes to two or three people for the time being.
Hoping for a mid-May reopening, Walker was ready to go. Her clients were ready, too, heading straight for the hand sanitizer. There were no high-fives, and personal trainers gave only verbal instructions to adjust movements.
Clients were asked if they have been sick, and staff is armed with a thermometer, just in case. Patrons are wiping down equipment between uses followed by staff sanitizing everything — a double whammy, Walker says.
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“I think the worst thing that could happen at anybody’s gym would be if the customers were upset, but luckily our customers are great,†Walker says. “They’re excited that we’re open. They’re wanting to do anything they can to make sure that we stay open, that everyone stays safe and healthy.â€
For now, following the governor’s guidance, Walker is asking people who are in at-risk groups not to come in, though like many gyms they are offering online options. The children’s fitness classes have not resumed yet, but Walker says she will watch the guidelines and the number of coronavirus cases to decide when to ramp up classes.
For small business owners like Walker, the closure was extremely hard. A new business, a year old in June, they almost broke even for the first time in March, right before they closed their doors
“I’m not even going to sugar-coat it,†she says. “It really hit us hard. We were really worried about the bills. Unfortunately, nobody really cares that you have bills. You know, the rent still needs to be paid. The electricity still needs to be paid, even though no one’s there.â€
Star sports producer Alec White takes a look at how ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥-owned gym CrossFit Milo is preparing to re-open during the COVID-19 pandemic and adjusting to new sanitation guidelines.
At CrossFit Milo, which plans to open Saturday, owners Kare and Alan Williams worked to keep connected with clients, renting equipment like dumbbells and kettlebells out during the closure.
That equipment is being returned and has been subject to diligent cleaning, Kare Williams said.
“We’ve had a great response of people wanting to come back; we’re excited,†Alan Williams said.
Over the last two months, Danny Sawaya, owner of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Strength, saw other gyms close for good and worried the same would happen to the business he has been building for 10 years.
“There are a lot of gyms not reopening,†he says. “So there were a lot of scary moments for us but we’ve seemed to kind of made it through the first phase of this. Now it’s time to rebuild.â€
Sawaya used the time to space equipment 6 feet apart. They put tape on the ground around the free weights to encourage social distancing. More hand-sanitizer stations were added as were supplies to wipe down equipment. The number of classes were reduced and employees are wearing masks during personal training sessions and in close-quarter situations.
But the future remains uncertain. An ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ coronavirus modeling team that is partnering with the state health department found that waiting until the end of May to reopen was the only scenario that didn’t dramatically increase COVID-19 cases. Ducey’s stay-at-home orders expire at midnight on Friday, May 15, with guidelines on how businesses should reopen.
Sawaya said he was busier on the first day back than on a typical day before the closure.
“I realized that there is a big responsibility that comes along with reopening during this time,†he said. “There is a concern with that, but I feel that we can do it very responsibly.â€
The response from local fitness centers to restrictions being eased is mixed with some opening first thing Wednesday morning with safety and sanitation measures in place and others planning to reopen later this week. Some business owners have opted to continue with online and modified services.
The YMCA of Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is taking a different approach for it’s four ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ locations, which are larger than ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Fitness or Psychosomatic Evolution. They have a phased plan on how to reopen.
"We're tough as saguaros," cartoonist David Fitzsimmons says.
“We want to get this right the first time,†says CEO Kurtis Dawson. “Nobody here in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ wants to be the next hot spot, so we’re making sure that we’re mitigating as much risk as possible to keep our members safe and keep our staff safe.â€
Before they announce an opening date, the YMCA is making sure they have adequate supplies, signage and training on the new norms and standards to promote safety, such as wearing masks and social distancing. Software will track the capacity in the building.
The phased reopen will start without some regular activities like swim lessons, camp and group exercises, Dawson said.
“It’s really going to be a very slow start,†he said. “In this phase plan that we have, we do it at the right pace, at the right speed, be very methodical to ensure that we’re keeping everybody safe.â€
Safety is one reason Melanie Black decided to close her brick-and-mortar Nerd Gym and take the operation online. After all, Black says, the No. 1 rule of Nerd Gym is don’t die.
“In any type of crisis, you have to kind of think of what’s really the most important to you,†she says. “I got into being a personal trainer to actually help people become healthier, happier, fitter, live longer.â€
Also, she had overhead to cover — rent, bills and employees. She had choices to make.
And as she moved her gym equipment out of the building she decided to let go, into the homes of the staff, which she decided to keep, she knew she had her ride-or-die crew.
The gym lost close to 60% of their patrons, but Black says they’re starting to get new clients. And as she and her staff of three health coaches do live online classes, personal training, nutrition consultations and more, she’s realized there’s an advantage to taking fitness virtual.
Her patrons no longer compartmentalize their health to the inside of a gym. Now, she is essentially inside their homes, cleaning out their cupboards with them and walking them through lifestyle changes. And for now at least, she has no plans to return to a physical location.
“The online coaching is actually accomplishing the goals that I set out in this business to accomplish,†she says. “Break down their obstacles, make them feel amazing and competent and do that in a way that’s not going to get anybody killed.â€
Photos for May 13: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during Coronavirus Pandemic
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

The venerable T-Rex outside the McDonald's at Grant and Tanque Verde comes around late, but strong, to the mask game, May 13, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Greg Madril, director of Pascua Yaqui Workforce Development, loads a van up with boxes of food to be taken to homes of elders on the reservation who have isolated themselves during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on May 8, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Abigail Pauley (center) and Carmen Solis (right) deliver food to the homes of elders on Pascua Yaqui Reservation who have isolated themselves during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on May 8, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Catalina Foothills High School graduates throw their hats in the air as they are videoed on the stage on the football field at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Catalina Foothills High School is videoing all 415 graduates individually over three days crossing the stage with their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After video and still pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills School District.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Graduates follow directions as they are filmed cross the stage at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and graduations being canceled, Catalina Foothills High School, set across three days, is filming all 415 graduates as they cross the stage with a their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After filming and taking pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills High School.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Catalina Foothills High School senior Maura Benesch grabs hand sanitizer before picking up her diploma cover at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Catalina Foothills High School is videoing all 415 graduates individually over three days crossing the stage with their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After video and still pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills School District.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Senior students follow directions as they are videoed crossing the stage on the football field at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Catalina Foothills High School is videoing all 415 graduates individually over three days crossing the stage with their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After video and still pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills School District.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

A fully suited worker, part of a crew from ServiceMaster, gestures out the door to a teammate while sanitizing the Little Cesars at 1201 W. St. Mary's, May 9, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Owner Michael Elefante cleans the pasta bar at Mama Louisa’s, 2041 S. Craycroft Road. Local restaurants and bars must limit their indoor occupancy to no more than 50%.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Lunchtime is normally standing room only at R&R Pizza Express, 13,905 N. Sandario Road, Marana. But it was sparsely attended on May 11, 2020, as the state allowed restaurants to re-open their dining rooms. Owner Linda Molitor carefully spaced tables to maintain social distancing for dining-in.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Owner Linda Molitor wipes down one of four tables available for dining-in at R&R Pizza Express, 13,905 N. Sandario Road, Marana, on May 11, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Suzanne Elefante, center, office manager, teaches Breanna Jirschele, employee, a discount at the register at Mama Louisa's, 2041 S. Craycroft Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020.Â
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Debra Roff, left, employee, keeps her distance as she takes a families order at Coyote Pause Café, 2740 S. Kinney Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Restaurants reopened on Monday after Gov. Doug Ducey allowed restaurants to open and the Pima County Health Department issued a list of protective measures in response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Coyote Pause Café has decreased their seating to less than 50% to allow for social distancing along with signage about COVID-19 and social distancing. There are sneeze-guards, made by the employees, at the counter tops. There are also small trash bags placed at every table for customers to place their trash allowing employees to decrease the amount of items they touch.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Leo Kresch, left, and Drew Burk, employees from Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails prepare to-go meals at The Carriage House, 135 S. Sixth Ave., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 12, 2020. Janos Wilder, owner of The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, received a donation to help prepare 1,400 meals for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center employees. The meal includes two entrees and a desert.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Devon Sanner, executive chef at The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, places Thai Green Vegetable Curry on top of rice in to-go meals at The Carriage House, 135 S. Sixth Ave., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 12, 2020. Janos Wilder, owner of The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, received a donation to help prepare 1,400 meals for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center employees. The meal includes two entrees and a desert.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

A group of finished to-go meals remain on top of the counter while employees from Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails create more to-go meals at The Carriage House, 135 S. Sixth Ave., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 12, 2020. Janos Wilder, owner of The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, received a donation to help prepare 1,400 meals for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center employees. The meal includes two entrees and a desert.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Rachel Tineo, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Strength ambassador, wipes down equipment at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Strength, 6130 E. Speedway Blvd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 13, 2020. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Strength has modified aspects of their gym to fit the coronavirus pandemic. Equipment is spaced out to allow for social distancing and equipment is being cleaned after every use by members as well as employees.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Diana Sestiaga, a manager at DSW, talks with a customer at the store located at 7191 E. Broadway, on May 12, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

A customer orders a meal during Cucusa's Caribbean Cuisine grand opening at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ International Business Center, on May 12, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Bartender Katelyn Williams confirms an order from Briante Brown after he checked the offerings from a photo on her phone while doing sidewalk service at John Henry's bar, May 6, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

A bench decorated with a thank you to healthcare workers and first responders in the front yard of a home off N Tortolita Road, on May 6, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Frank Marini flashes a heart symbol to the staff at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center in May. The number of hospital beds available in Pima County hasn’t fluctuated much over the last month.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Recovered Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) patient Larry Delf, retired ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ paramedic and St. Mary's Hospital EMT, waves to family members, friends, nurses, doctors, hospital staff and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Fire Department as they celebrate Delf's recovery at Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital 1601 W. Saint Mary's Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 7, 2020. After a month of hospitalization, Delf is being transferred to a long-term acute care facility.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

While waiting for recovered Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) patient Larry Delf, retired ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ paramedic and St. Mary's Hospital EMT, Chevelle Baker, center, granddaughter, holds up a sign with Family members, friends, nurses, doctors and hospital staff to celebrate Delf's recovery at Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital 1601 W. Saint Mary's Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 7, 2020. After a month of hospitalization, Delf is being transferred to a long-term acute care facility.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

David Sounart, vice-president of manufacturing, removes the molds from a batch of Twin Peaks mugs, mugs the company made for the TV series, as HF Coors begins to return to production, May 8, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Esmeralda Islava works with client Caroline Stelmach at Bellaza Beauty Bar located at 1951 W Grant Road #110 during their first day reopened since non-essential businesses began closing due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), on May 8, 2020. "Its weird that there are fewer people but it feels [safer]," Stelmach said about the precautionary changes.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Melanie has her temperature checked before her manicure appointment at Bellaza Beauty Bar located at 1951 W Grant Road #110 during their first day reopened since non-essential businesses began closing due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), on May 8, 2020. When asked what it is like coming back to the salon since the virus Melanie responded "It's different for sure. Having to sign a waiver and get your temperature checked."
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Stylist Rahnay Curtis with mask on while cutting hair at CDO Barbershop on May 8, 2020, in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Owner Jennifer Ball cuts Carl Arnal's hair at CDO Barbershop on May 8, 2020, in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Arnal said, "I cheated a little on March 7. My son is a barber." He added, "I started panicking when they talked about (reopening) in the middle of May." When he said down in the chair for a cut, he said, "I will definitely enjoy this one."
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Josh and Meghan Leunen share their helping of lava cake from the bed of their truck while cars still file into the lots at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Dragway Drive-In Theater Powered by Griffith Automotive Repair & Restoration's showing of Pixar's Cars, May 8, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Isaiah Valdez peers out from the trunk of his car, with two stout table legs providing extra support of the hood, before the start of the night's showing of Cars at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Dragway Drive-In Theater Powered by Griffith Automotive Repair & Restoration, May 8, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Family members practice social distancing while celebrating mothers day at Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 10, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Wright Elementary School teacher Sheree Garcia packs up leftover items in students' desks for them to pick up, on May 8, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Wright Elementary School teacher Sheree Garcia elbow bumps her student Francisco Cruz Silva, 8, as she drops off a computer for him at his family's home, on May 8, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Sarah Hemzawi, in Raleigh, N.C., gets to attend the evening meal of her parents Ziad Hemzawi and Raina Kanawati, part of their Ramadan ceremonies at their home, May 7, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Rania Kanawati prays in her living room, part of the adapting to the closing of the local mosques due to COVID19 restrictions, May 7, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Owner Jesus Bonillas measures the distance between tables at the American Eat Co. Small businesses can apply for no-interest loans through the city until Tuesday, May 26.
Reporter Alec White contributed to this story. Contact reporter Danyelle Khmara at dkhmara@tucson.com
or 573-4223. On Twitter:
@DanyelleKhmara.