Health & Fitness
Dumping Iron: Some In MetroWest Still Wary Of Gyms
Here's what local residents think about going back to the gym in phase 3 of the coronavirus reopening plan.
MARLBOROUGH, MA — Gyms across Massachusetts were allowed to start reopening when phase 3 began on July 6, which for some was a welcome change after about three months in coronavirus quarantine without access to treadmills, rowing machines and kettle balls.
But many local residents aren't flocking back to the gym yet, wary of a virus that spreads easily in enclosed spaces — even as cases in Massachusetts remain low compared to peaks seen in April and May.
We asked Patch readers in the MetroWest area to tell us what they think about returning to the gym this summer. Some are eagerly returning, comparing a workout to going to a big-box store. Others are still worried about the risk of contracting the virus.
Find out what's happening in Marlboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Want to ask your neighbors a question? Here's how to use the Patch Neighbor Post feature
"I’m not going back. I’m too addicted to beer, ice cream, TV." —Jason, Marlborough
Find out what's happening in Marlboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"No, but I will support the gym until I feel safe —Mark, Natick
"No. Gyms continue to rank very high on all lists of high-risk venues. —Dana, Framingham
"Still worried about COVID, not yet." —Anna, Framingham
"Not going back to the gym anytime soon. This global pandemic is far from over. People are getting sick and dying every day here in MA, the numbers don't lie (and don't start with it's all old people in nursing homes garbage). The selfishness and thoughtlessness of some community members not following guidelines continues to put those around them at risk which increases everyone's risk. Do I miss the gym? Hell yes! Do I care more about my health and have other alternatives for exercise? Absolutely." —Rick, Marlborough
"Yes, I am big into health. My gym is clean and they have provided a lot of guidelines. I feel safe and I am not overly paranoid. My thought is if the state allows a person to go to a liquor store, then goes to Walmart, and proceeds Target why can’t I go workout? I am a teacher and schools will open in the fall — there is not a bigger petri dish than that." —Barbara, Framingham
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