South Jersey Gym To Reopen In Defiance Of Coronavirus Orders

BELLMAWR, NJ — Saying the government has failed both the rights and health of its citizens, the owners of a South Jersey gym plan to reopen to members Monday morning. Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday said the gym's defiance of his executive order would not be tolerated.

“It’s time for the power grab to end,” Atilis Gym owner Ian Smith said in a video posted on the gym’s Facebook page. “It’s time for the hypocrisy to end. It’s time for the double-standard in business to end.”

The Bellmawr-based gym plans to reopen Monday morning, and Smith is asking for supporters to come out early and stay late to show their solidarity for small businesses across the state. He has also called for other businesses to join his.

"The gym owner is out of compliance and that will not be tolerated," Murphy said during his coronavirus news conference Wednesday afternoon.

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Many non-essential businesses were forced to close on March 16, when Gov. Phil Murphy issued a stay-at-home order. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus

“We reject the premise of essential vs. non-essential business,” Smith said. “While taking precautions, all businesses should remain open. It’s best for the physical health, mental health and economic health of the nation.”

Smith has taken his fight to national television, including an appearance on The Tucker Carlson show Wednesday night. (See video below).

Smith said he drives down the street and sees the parking lots full and wraparound lines at the big box stores at the same time small businesses are being forced to close.

Smith said the gym will reopen for customers only and will take certain safety precautions:

• Capacity will be limited to 20 percent capacity, meaning only 44 people permitted inside at once;
• Temperatures will be taken at the door, and anyone with a fever of 100.4 degrees or more will not be allowed inside;
• Members must fill out a health questionnaire before being allowed in;
• Members must wear face covers at all times, unless they are doing sets; and
• Workout bags must be closed and clean at all times.

The gym has been reconfigured to allow for proper social distancing, as demonstrated by a photo used during Smith’s appearance on The Tucker Carlson Show. Showers and water fountains will be closed, and there will be no group classes.

Smith made the announcement on his Facebook page on Monday, two days before Gov. Phil Murphy announced non-essential businesses in New Jersey would be permitted to reopen for curbside pickup. Read more here: Gov. Phil Murphy To Reopen NJ Businesses Amid Coronavirus

The gym’s plans don’t fit in with what the governor is permitting, but Smith said they are prepared for any and all consequences.

“It’s time for us to stand together as Americans and reclaim our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Smith said. “ … We can be prosperous and cautious at the same time.”

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know