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Gyms Across Ventura, Santa Barbara And San Luis Obispo Counties Gear Up To Close Indoor Operations

KCLU

Gyms across Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are gearing up to close inside operations today, as the counties move into the most-restrictive purple tier.

California Governer Gavin Newsom said yesterday he was “pulling the emergency brake” on re-openings, amid a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Heading to a workout today in Ventura county, one gym-goer told KCLU that he doesn’t see the need for the facilities to close indoor sessions – and doesn’t welcome the idea of working out outside in colder weather.

He said that he doesn't think it'll affect him working out, as he will still want to, but that working out in colder weather will "pretty much suck."

Brian Morris, the Senior VP for Gold’s Gyms in SoCal, says they’re gearing up for the change.

"Where we have to move outdoors, we move outdoors," says Morris, matter-of-factly.

"In Oxnard, we already have a set up there and Simi Valley we already have a set up there. Thousand Oaks...we will be set up very shortly," he told KCLU. 

The YMCA face the same issues – and more, as they are finding ways to adapt to provide essential childcare as well as their health and wellness classes. 

Ronnie Stone, President and CEO of Southeast Ventura County YMCA, told KCLU that they're still providing essential childcare for those that need it.

He warned of the dangers of not staying active. 

"We are still very concerned because if people aren't staying active and fit, things start to happen. We have seen mental health start to breakdown for people too.

"We will have an outdoor space and we will keep providing cardio and strength and group exercise classes...and continue to keep our youth active also." 

As well as gyms, indoor operations at places like restaurants, movie theaters, museums, and places of worship are once again prohibited. 

Caroline joined KCLU in October 2020. She won LA Press Club's Audio Journalist of the Year Award in 2022 and 2023.

Since joining the station she's won 7 Golden Mike Awards, 4 Los Angeles Press Club Awards and 2 National Arts & Entertainment Awards.

She started her broadcasting career in the UK, in both radio and television for BBC News, 95.8 Capital FM and Sky News and was awarded the Prince Philip Medal for her services to radio and journalism in 2007.

She has lived in California for ten years and is both an American and British citizen - and a very proud mom to her daughter, Elsie.
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