Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced on October 25 that regional gyms could re-open from October 28 with a maximum of 20 people in the venue at a time.
There is a limit of 10 people per space and one person is allowed per eight square metres.
Dynamic Fitness Centre Echuca owner Chris Fowler didn’t see the announcement coming.
“We should be used to surprise announcements from the Premier, but no-one was expecting this,” he said.
However, he said he was disappointed with the restrictions put on the industry.
“The rules have halved (from last time they reopened); it’s no longer 20 per space it’s 20 per venue,” he said.
“It’s a huge difference.”
Despite the tight opening guidelines, Mr Fowler said he was grateful and excited to be back.
“The phone hasn’t stopped, which is fantastic.”
Anytime Fitness Echuca owner Chris O’Neill also said he hadn't expected to be opening so soon.
“It’s a happy surprise,” he said.
“It’s put a bit of pressure on us but it looks like we’re good to go.”
The gym will have a booking system to cater for the capacity limit, which he said was “workable”.
“Last time we opened we didn’t go over 20 people per hour anyway,” he said.
“It would be nice to have it a little bit higher just to give us some breathing space.”
FITmob Echuca owner Shannon Fink said the easing of restrictions was a long time coming.
“It shouldn’t have dragged out as long as it did, but it’s about time something happened,” he said.
“The one person to eight square metres rule makes life pretty difficult, it means we’re pretty limited with how many people we can have indoors.
“At least we’re allowed to open again, hopefully in a few weeks they ease the restrictions a bit more,” he said.
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