MOMENTUM Fitness co-owner Kris Sudale says rules around mask wearing in gyms need to change as centres across regional Victoria re-open for the first time since restrictions eased.
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Sudale, who runs the business with her husband Scott, said the gym was pleased to be open for its members but felt the wearing of masks made no sense.
"I think it's ridiculous," she said.
"We shouldn't have to wear masks while in here as I think in a gym situation you are exercising and masks normally aren't worn when doing heavy exercise."
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said "there is logic behind this" in regards to the decision for masks to be worn in gyms, which are allowed to have 20 members inside.
"I've had a discussion, more than once, with the Chief Health Officer on this and I apologise if there is any complexity to this," he said.
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"If there is complexity, it's only because of the complex nature of the risks within that space.
"We want to get them open as close to normal as we can but some settings are just higher risk than others and there is only so much you can do to decrease the risk.
"I know it is not what the industry wants and I understand why and I understand the industry has been hardest hit and if they want to speak to us about things we can do I'm happy to sit down and talk to them in good faith.
"I'm happy to concede I'm not an expert in these fields but if there are any individuals who want to talk to the public health experts, I'll make sure that happens."
Listen to this week's The Main Break podcast with Tri Club president Ian Barnes:
Gyms and fitness studios can have 20 members, at a maximum of 10 per space and a density of one person per eight square metres, inside at one time and run classes of 10 outside.
Sudale said there was a booking system for members to schedule when they visit the gym and hygiene practices were in place.
"Everyone is happy to be back and have come in and them being happy to be back in here is what makes it worthwhile," she said of their members' response to the gym re-opening.
"We have got the wipes everywhere and hand sanitiser and we have clear instructions for what our members are to bring when they come. There is not much more we can do."
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
