Frequent gym-goers are happy to be pumping iron again. Business owners are too, but some feel confusion is at a whole new level.

What You Need To Know

  • Gyms around Western New York in orange zones opened Monday
  • Gym owners are adapting to what they say is confusing information
  • They feel they are part of a solution, not the problem
​"Who knows, next week we could be in a red zone and then we're shut down again," said Amy Bueme, who owns Catalyst Fitness gyms around Western New York.

Bueme says in her opinion, any fitness platform should be considered essential on a small level.

"We know that people are in the hospital but we want to help. We want to help build immune systems and we want to keep people mentally and physically strong in these trying times,” she said.

Bueme tells Spectrum News she feels the science backs up her opinion that gyms are and have been safe and COVID-19 free. She says she hasn't heard of any major virus outbreaks inside of a fitness center.

"The governor already said, ‘our mistake, gyms are not the spreader, gyms are 0.006, they are safe.’ Well ,we've been saying that since day one,” she said.

Bueme added that she feels official voices of the Empire State have made community members think that the fitness industry is problematic and dangerous when it comes to COVID-19.

"I think everyone in my industry is very confused on why we have to spend the most money to open and yet we keep getting restrictions slammed on us, even though we're the ‘safest,’" said Bueme.

When it comes to making more adjustments to ensure everyone's safety while doors are open, Bueme says she's not changing a thing — that the way her clubs handle cleaning, social distancing, and mask regulations is working.

"We did so much, and that is why we continue to be the safest and healthiest place to be in,” said Bueme.