A group of fitness facilities in California has joined together to form the California Fitness Alliance (CFA) in an effort to safely and responsibly reopen the clubs and facilities after the coronavirus pandemic shut them down.
There are over 4,000 fitness locations in California, which includes gyms, clubs and studios, among others which employ over 180,000 people, the CFA said in a press release.
CFA members will pursue federal and state aid to provide relief for employees who are currently out of work due to the pandemic. Also, the CFA will work with state and local officials to set effective reopening standards and guidelines.
“In the fitness industry, we often work more independently than collaboratively. Now, we look forward to working together and with state and local officials to reopen facilities in a safe manner,” said Francesca Schuler, CEO, In-Shape Health Clubs.
“We are passionate about helping our community members live healthy lives, and we want to continue to support them on their fitness journeys.”
Randy Karr, California Family Fitness president and CEO said: “We are working to bring thousands of jobs back to California while also providing a safe environment for people to effectively exercise in a facility.
“Before the coronavirus outbreak, millions of Califofornians visited clubs and fitness facilities every day. Being active is just as important today as it was before the pandemic.”
Schuler and Karr founded the CFA along with Gold’s Gym SoCal Group President and CEO Angel Banos, Chuze Fitness CEO Cory Brightwell, Yuba City Racquet Club President Pete Bakis, FitnessSF Founder and President Sebastyen Jackovics and OrangeTheory Fitness franchise owner Marc Thomas.
