Hillsborough Gym Fights For Freedom, Cited For Reopening

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A Hillsborough gym owner, who was repeatedly cited for violating Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order for having a non-essential business open, says he is taking a stand for people's freedoms.

Kyle Newell, owner of Newell Strength at 2 Ilene Ct., was cited for the third day in a row on Wednesday for defying Murphy's stay-at-home order.

"My main reason I decided to reopen was first and foremost, I wanted to give people hope," said Newell. "We need to stand up for their freedom. I think freedom is being taken from the people."

Newell could face a maximum $1,000 fine or 6 months in jail for defying Murphy's order. However, he does not seem fazed by it.

"I'm not worried. The worst that could happen is jail time or they could take my business license," Newell said. "But it is more important to fight this, fight for what I believe in."

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A long-time Hillsborough resident Newell opened his gym in his hometown in 2007. A father of three kids, ages 4, 3 and 9 months, Newell said he felt that he had to reopen.

"I believe this is an overreach by the government. Never has there been a pandemic where healthy people were quarantined," Newell said. "Me being in the health and fitness business, it seems laughable that we can't be open to work on people's health and body and improve their immune systems yet liquor stores are deemed essential."

Newell went on to say that people should have the freedom of choice to decide if they want to patronize businesses.

Taking extra precautions at his gym, Newell said he is sanitizing and cleaning equipment between sets and sessions, taking patrons temperatures at the door, and only allowing six people per hour inside the 6,000 square foot facility at a time.

"We are really going over and above what any other places that are deemed essential have even done," Newell said.

Newell said he will remain open on Thursday and those interested in coming in can make an appointment.

Newell Strength is the second gym in New Jersey to defy Murphy's stay-at-home order. The owners of a South Jersey gym Atilis Gym continues to reopen and were cited for a third time on Wednesday. Read More: NJ Gym Owners Cited For Third Day Despite Murphy Warnings

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