Hillsborough Gym Cited For 4th Time, Will Move Workouts Outside

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A Hillsborough gym owner has been cited for the fourth day in a row for violating Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order for opening a non-essential business, according to NJ State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan.

Kyle Newell, owner of Newell Strength at 2 Ilene Ct., claims he met with officials to discuss a compromise which included raising public gatherings limit to 25 people, and that would allow him to reopen his business.

"They raised the gatherings limit because of us," Newell said. "We can officially be open for business, we just have to do it outside. Our mission was accomplished."

During a Friday news conference, however, Gov. Phil Murphy did up the limit on outside gatherings from 10 to 25 people, but he said retail and small businesses still can only provide curbside services.

He also said the state isn't ready yet to provide guidance on operating businesses outside, including dining, and he said "we're not there yet on gyms."

Newell added he was really emotional that he was able to give people hope. "For just one average person to be able to do that is amazing," he said.

The long-time Hillsborough resident and father of three said he felt that he had to reopen to keep his business afloat and support his family. Read More: Hillsborough Gym Fights For Freedom, Cited For Reopening

The gym has remained open every day since Monday and has been cited ever since. After being cited again on Thursday, Newell said he will continue to stay open but move all of his trainings outside.

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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 reopened after it was shutdown by the state. Read More: South Jersey Gym That Defied Murphy Reopens After NJ Shut It Down

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