Waukesha Gym Hoping To Lift Its Way Out Of Coronavirus Downturn

WAUKESHA, WI — Like many businesses in Wisconsin, the Anytime Fitness in Waukesha closed its doors when the state shut down nonessential businesses due to the coronavirus public health emergency back in March.

When the state's stay-at-home order was extended until late May, gym owners Alina and Jason Johnson felt they had reached a breaking point. How long could they keep the gym open with nobody allowed to come in and work out?

"Many people don't understand how badly small businesses are suffering right now. How do you tell that to someone that has everything on the line to stay home?" Alina Johnson told Patch. "We can lose everything if we can't raise money. Our only source of income, our house, our life savings — not to mention that of family that helped us get started."

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Then, they came up with an idea.

"We know a lot of people are looking for ways to stay in shape during this pandemic. So we read and reread the safer-at-home order. It specifically allows for outdoor exercise," Alina Johnson said.

Starting Tuesday, they moved certain pieces of workout equipment outdoors, outside the gym, at 901 Meadowbrook Road.

Under their new workout plan, each person is provided their own bottle and towel for disinfecting the equipment they use. Stations are set up at least 6 feet apart to maintain social distancing. No more than 10 people are allowed to participate at any given time.

People have to book a one-hour block in advance, and workouts will be limited to a one hour maximum, ensuring that people who have a reserved spot and will not have to wait. It will also ensure that Anytime Fitness maintains a group of 10 or fewer. Donations will be run thru Zelle (online bank transfer). This is a secured method to transfer funds between banks.

They're offering the following workout plans:

1 day = $10 donation
1 week (Monday-Friday) = $30 donation

In the event the weather is too bad and the gym can’t offer a workout space, Anytime Fitness will credit participants a day's fee.

To set up a time block, email waukeshawi@anytimefitness.com or book on Facebook using the “book now” button, or call Anytime Fitness at 262-446-4141.

To set up the outdoor gym the correct way, Alina said she and Jason contacted the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office as well as the Waukesha Police Department to get the approval.

The money collected for outdoor workouts will be donated to Anytime Fitness Waukesha West to cover ongoing expenses during the government shutdown, Alina Johnson said.

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