MA Gyms Are Going Online During Coronavirus Closures

NEWTON, MA - With gyms forced to close to avoid further spread of the new coronavirus in Massachusetts, chains and boutique fitness establishments alike are finding alternative ways to help people keep healthy - while staying relevant.

Many YMCAs, including the West Suburban YMCA in Newton, made a plea to those who could to sustain their membership through the closure as a way to help support the work, which goes beyond gym equipment and trainers - from virtual learning for younger children to paying staff through March 28, during the period of uncertainty.

"We appreciate you for helping us to feed and care for our most vulnerable – low income families, LIVESTRONG cancer survivor program participants, and our senior groups," said YMCA President Jack Fucci in an email to community members.

Others, like Planet Fitness, said they proactively put a freeze on memberships until their doors opened.

And still many others appear to be figuring it out. Town Sports, the company behind BSC, did not respond to request for comment, but an automatic response to an email indicated there would be discussion on that once doors were reopened.

Many others started offering a more robust online community presence, including live streamed classes on YouTube or Facebook.

Here's a look at what some area gyms are offering virtually:

Barry's Bootcamp:
On March 16 they announced the temporarily closure of all Red Rooms across the United States, Canada, the U.K., Norway, Milan, and Dubai. For any existing reservations, they will return these classes to your account. Additionally, all class packages and memberships will be adjusted to reflect the duration of these closures.

• They're offering live workouts led by trainers via Instagram.

November Project
The free fitness group, has stopped meeting together in person around Boston and Brookline, but All workouts are still free and accessible to anyone who just shows up.

• 6:30 a.m. every Mon, Wed, Fri join them on Zoom.

OrangeTheory Fitness:
Closed March 16. If you are a member of a corporate-owned studio or a franchise studio that has closed, your membership dues will be suspended immediately, according to the corporate website.

• OrangeTheory is offering home workouts via Facebook.

Planet Fitness:
Announced they put a freeze on monthly memberships, so no one has to pay for the time they weren't open.

• Planet Fitness app gives you access to exercises designed for people of all fitness levels.
• It's Facebook Live has daily workouts at 7 p.m.
• Planet Fitness Facebook page and YouTube channel will post after the broadcast is over.

Spark Fitness and Tennis:
Spark has shifted to an online programming model that is open to members to keep business going.

• They are offering livestreamed fitness classes and workout tips on Instagram and Zoom meet ups for members to keep them moving from home.

YMCA:
The West Suburban YMCA in Newton is offering group exercise classes, youth sports’ classes, and even mock swim lessons via livestream and videos as a way to maintain physical and emotional well-being.

• Check out YMCA 360
• Join our Facebook Groups

Know of another gym that's gone online to offer classes for free? Email Jenna.Fisher@Patch.com and send me the links we'll add them.