VIC Active calls for immediate unrestricted opening of Victoria's gyms

Citing figures that show that the state has notched up 16th consecutive day of zero Coronavirus infections and deaths, VIC Active is calling on the Victorian Government to immediately allow fitness facilities and gyms to reopen.

Speaking today, VIC Active spokesperson, Tim Schleiger stated “Victoria has notched up its 16th consecutive day of zero infections and zero deaths. That is something that we should all be very proud of. By any measure, these outcomes have come at a massive cost as the community has faced unprecedented lockdowns and we know we are facing a catastrophe when it comes to Victorians’ physical and mental health.

“Based on a back-of-the-envelope survey of VIC Active members we estimate that the average weight gain among the 1,000,000 regular patrons who attend a fitness centre in Victoria is approximately 4.5 kgs. That’s 4,500,000 kgs in this cohort (and that doesn’t include) the rest of the state.”

“Victoria has notched up its 16th consecutive day of zero infections and zero deaths. That is something that we should all be very proud of. By any measure, these outcomes have come at a massive cost as the community has faced unprecedented lockdowns and we know we are facing a catastrophe when it comes to Victorians’ physical and mental health.

“Based on a back-of-the-envelope survey of VIC Active members we estimate that the average weight gain among the 1,000,000 regular patrons who attend a fitness centre in Victoria is approximately 4.5 kgs. That’s 4,500,000 kgs in this cohort (and that doesn’t include) the rest of the state.”

Currently, a maximum of 20 patrons can return to their fitness centre while, from 22nd November this number will increase to 100 based on the one person per 4 metre² rule across the state.

Reference the zero infections and activity and mental health challenges, Schleiger commented “but why does Premier Andrews continue to punish Victorians by making it difficult for them to get to their local fitness centre today? Why should patrons be forced to queue up?”

Schleiger (pictured) went on to highlight that Victoria currently has three active Coronavirus cases, while NSW has 21, South Australia has 16, Western Australia has 13 and Queensland has nine, but noted that “every other state and territory in Australia has more realistic patron limits”, adding “the Victorian fitness industry comprises more than 45,000 staff and we know more than 1,000,000 people regularly attend a fitness centre.”

He concluded “there is no doubt good health habits have been broken during lockdowns. Bad habits have become entrenched. Alcohol and food delivery sales have skyrocketed. Online betting is at unprecedented levels. Health experts are warning of public health crisis and are expecting massive spikes in presentation rates of terminal cancer, heart conditions, diabetes, lung infections and unfortunately, our mental health crisis is just starting to surface.

“There is a proven link between exercise and beneficial physical and mental health outcomes. Fitness centres are important community assets where Victorians can exercise, receive professional instruction and mentoring and get moving.

“Fitness centres have world class contract tracing systems and are COVIDSafe.

“We call on the Premier to open fitness centres without patron limits now - why wait another week?”