Gyms Not Reopening In Phase 4 'Another Mile In This Marathon'

CUTCHOGUE, NY — With Gov. Andrew Cuomo announcing recently that gyms were among businesses, including malls and theaters, that will not likely open in Phase 4 in the plan to kick start the economy, local owners of fitness facilities are struggling to stay afloat — and embracing new and innovative ways to keep their clientele fit.

Jill Schroeder, owner and CEO of JABS in Cutchogue, has adapted by creating a new virtual business model.

"Being a small business owner during this pandemic has been like running a marathon that you didn't train for, and that has no finish line in sight," she said. "I basically began a new business overnight, from in-person training to virtual. I had to pivot quickly and figure out how to continue to offer my services, stay connected to clients, band-aid my business, and, hopefully, make it to the finish line."

Schroeder said she, as well as other the trainers on my team, have continued to offer virtual classes and personal training. The classes are similar to what was offered in the studio, with a mix of strength, spin, dance fitness, and yoga throughout the week, she said.

"My clients had to be creative in the beginning, utilizing different items in place of dumbbells. The item of choice tended to be wine bottles, and I am proud of my clients for being well stocked — I mean prepared— for their home workouts," she laughed. "When they ran out of wine, I lent out dumb bells and rented out spin bikes to keep the internet on and the live streaming going."

With Cuomo's announcement last week comes new concerns, Schroeder said. "The news of possibly not opening in Phase 4 is just another mile in this marathon. I am pretty sure one of my clients is behind this trying to get back at me for making them do burpees!"

With the hope that outdoor classes may be able to begin in Phase 4, Schroeder said she plans to begin preparing for that option.

Despite all her efforts, Schroeder misses her clients, many of whom are friends and neighbors.

"I miss the energy and camaraderie of in-person workouts, so I look forward to that day," she said.

Schroeder has also been a force in helping others through her business, often hosting fundraisers for community members in need, and no coronavirus could stop her from continuing to care.

"Despite the sweat in my eyes, I am still continuing to give back. In the beginning of May we had a Virtual Theme Week that included things like 'Crazy Hair Day' and 'Animal Day,'" she said. Other local businesses including Cassandra Mari Salon, Lucharitos, Catapano Dairy Farm, Ornamental Plantings, and Shinn Vineyards "also contributed to that event, a great testament of the community we have on the North Fork," she said.

She is also just wrapping up the "NoFo Strong Virtual Marathon', where participants had to complete 26.2 miles from June 6 to July 4.

Proceeds from both events with benefit The North Fork Country Kids:Rescue and Preservation Through Pedagogy, an animal rescue organization, she said.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Schroeder remains upbeat.

"Every moment of being a small business owner is a learning experience and this moment is no different. Although my legs are burning and my soles are worn out, I just keep putting one foot in front of the other to finish this marathon. Every step is worth it."