Battle Creek Times

Local fitness and training center owners worried about potential closures share their testimonies with Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic Chair Rep. Matt Hall (R-Marshall).

On July 31, Hall said the owner's testimonies demonstrate the shortfalls of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s coronavirus policies.

“We heard from small family businesses who feel they can open safely and sensibly and -- at the governor’s direction -- have crafted ways to do so,” said Hall, according to Michigan House Republicans. “But they are growing increasingly frustrated and discouraged as Gov. Whitmer ignores their developed plans for months, they remain closed and their bills pile up.”

Rep. Matt Hall | Michigan House Republicans

Marshall Lanes, area YMCAs and Planet Fitness centers are among the local businesses and operators concerned about closures, according to Hall.

“These decisions have unintended consequences that Gov. Whitmer is choosing not to weigh. Gyms are in the business of helping people exercise and get fit. This helps prevent mental health issues, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes -- some of the underlying health conditions COVID-19 preys on,” Hall told Michigan House Republicans.

On July 29, owners of fitness centers, youth swimming instruction centers, and training and recreational facilities met with the committee.

At the meeting, Cindy Scharns, owner of Branch Gymnastics in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, said it had been difficult for her business to remain closed whilst providing athletes avenues to train.

“I’ve heard from many families across Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties who take their children to Branch Gymnastics and because of the governor’s orders shutting down gymnastics facilities, their children are missing out on opportunities to socialize, exercise and develop their skills,” Hall said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “We heard from one young athlete who lost out on college scholarship opportunities because of these shutdowns. She used gymnastics training as a way to cope with her father recently passing away.”

Gyms and youth swimming instruction through indoor pools continue to close in the area, though the restriction on youth swimming instruction was lifted, and businesses could resume with limited capacity in indoor pools after the Select Committee met July 29.

“Swimming lessons for children prevent drowning deaths. Gov. Whitmer changed her policy after our committee provided a voice to people who pointed out the harm these policies could cause for children. This smarter approach allows these lifesaving courses to be taught in a safe fashion and for instructors to be able to make a living," Hall told Michigan House Republicans. "It’s a positive step in resuming activity safely and sensibly. But it’s important for the public, as well as legislators who serve as their voice, to hear from the governor on what is going into these decisions, instead of having to wait for her to change course.”