Valley Gyms Fight Back Against Governor Ducey’s Orders

By on July 1, 2020 0 887Views

Governor Ducey’s new executive order closing gyms is not sitting well with business owner.

Tom Hatten, founder and CEO of Mountainside Fitness, said during a press conference Monday that the governor’s move is “arbitrary” and lacks clarity. Hatten announced he intends to file a lawsuit against Governor Ducey in response to his executive order closing gyms.

“If this is truly as bad as we are being told, I don’t think health clubs closing tomorrow is going to solve the problem. I don’t think tubing is going to solve the problem,” Hatten said. “I don’t think closing a movie theater that hasn’t been open is going to solve the problem.”

Hatten also called for unity from the governor, saying that if the governor is serious about coronavirus, the executive order shouldn’t be limited to bars, gyms, and movie theaters. Hatten feels his company has done everything in their power to follow guidelines and asks for clarity and communication from state leaders. He insists that he is not only speaking for Mountainside, but for all Arizona businesses.

Hatten also announced that he would not be closing the gym doors at 8 p.m.

Hatten also explained that his company wasn’t able to get government assistance during the first shutdown because it has more than 500 employees. As a result, were depended on help in other forms such as banking partners and landlords for assistance. He said they also initiated a funding program for employees who were suffering while they were out of work in the pandemic.

After learning of the executive orders, another gym franchise in the valley, Life Time Fitness originally informed members that they would be closing access their fitness amenities and classes.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Life Time sent a follow up email to members changing their decision and announced they would re-open their fitness floor, programs and classes effective Wednesday, July 1. The following are their reasons they laid out for defying the Governor’s order:

  • First, we can attest that our enhanced cleaning protocols and safety measures in our spacious destinations are in compliance with the guidance issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services with respect to COVID-19.
  • Second, members have clearly indicated their desire to have uninterrupted access to fitness amenities and classes.
  • Third, we believe providing access to these services—with proper social distance, on regularly-cleaned equipment, and in masks as appropriate—is vital to allow individuals to maintain their overall health.
  • Fourth, in support of the nearly 1,500 Life Time team members in Arizona clubs, we disagree with further disrupting their livelihoods after the challenging impact posed by the shutdowns in place since mid-March.

In Monday’s press conference, Governor Ducey said that local authorities will have the ability to enforce the new rules, with a focus on educating the public.