Beatrice J. Doty

Chicago tightens restrictions on workout class sizes, even as gyms say members aren’t rushing back

Beatrice J. Doty 3 weeks ago

Gym-goers have been cautiously but steadily returning to health clubs and fitness studios in the 3 1/4 u00bd weeks since those businesses were allowed to let members back in for more than personal training.

But gym operators worry a new 10-person cap on the size of indoor fitness classes, which takes effect Friday, will hamper their efforts to rebuild business after the coronavirus pandemic forced them to close temporarily. More stringent rules for bars that also take effect Friday have prompted some to call it quits for good.

Some fitness clubs and studios were surprised by the more stringent regulations. They’ve already taken precautions like temperature checks and more aggressive cleaning, and in Chicago, members must wear masks during exercise in addition to practicing social distancing.

“We definitely didn’t think we’d be the subject of being pulled back given all the vigilant measures we’re taking,” said David Blitz, CEO of

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Rebel Wilson Hikes in a Lycra Ensemble as She Continues Her Fitness and Weight Loss Journey

Beatrice J. Doty 3 weeks ago

Rebel Wilson is reaching new heights during her Year of Health.

The Pitch Perfect star, 40, celebrated yet another successful workout on Monday when she shared an Instagram slideshow from the top of a cliff after her hike to Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse in Palm Beach, Australia.

In one shot, Wilson — wearing a teal top and matching leggings from Gymshark — can be seen striking a fierce pose alongside a friend in front of a picturesque landscape.

Another Boomerang video shows the actress making a face at the camera as she takes in the gorgeous view.

“#PalmBeach #Hayden #Pooches4Lyfe ps my athleisure is @gymshark,” she wrote in the post’s caption.

RELATED: Rebel Wilson Shows Off Her Progress After Sharing Weight Loss Goal

Back in January, Wilson shared that she’s hoping to slim down to 75 kg., which is about 165 lbs., by the end of the year.

“I’ll

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New Life For Gyms, Fitness Facilities Outdoors In East Hampton

Beatrice J. Doty 3 weeks ago

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Gym owners struggling during the coronavirus crisis in in East Hampton may soon get a much-needed boost from town officials.

Established East Hampton fitness and exercise studios, which have been financially affected by the shutdown during the pandemic, will see hope on the horizon with the adoption Friday of a temporary provision allowing them to hold outdoor exercise classes on a separate commercial property, with the property owner’s permission, a release from East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said.

The town code as written restricts the use of outdoor areas on commercial properties.

An executive order signed Friday by Van Scoyoc includes a measure that will temporarily relax a portion of the town code to allow fitness businesses to apply for a permit to hold offsite outdoor classes, provided social distancing, group size restrictions, and rules regarding face masks are followed.

The permit application can

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Street Closures, Fitness In Park

Beatrice J. Doty 4 weeks ago

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair will be temporarily closing South Park and Church streets to traffic on the weekends to help businesses beat the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced Thursday.

The township will also be creating a space for local fitness studios to offer socially-distanced exercise sessions at Crane Park (see more details below).

The effort is the result of a partnership between the township and the Montclair Center Business Improvement District (BID).

A pilot program to close South Park and Church streets will kick off Friday and continue through September, according to a joint statement from the town and the BID:

The BID assumed all costs for the first weekend of street closures, and the township will cover street closure costs through Sept. 27.

The BID and the township are also examining other sections of downtown to possibly present more street closures and parklet spaces to create additional pedestrian space and

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