Community excitement as more public health restrictions ease

Gym-goers were eager to get back to indoor fitness classes and solo workouts.

“Working out at home, staying disciplined, and trying to workout there but the intensity level is far different here. And there’s the social aspect, it’s great to see everybody back,” F45 member Jeremy Halvorson said.

That’s a feeling F45’s manager also shares.

The studio was open bright and early for workouts on Thursday.

Kayla MacKay says summertime brings good vibes and it’s perfect timing to reopen

“It feels great. We were closed since April 6 this latest time so it was just over two months and it feels really good to be back,” she said.

In the meantime, F45 rented out equipment, had workouts through their app, and offered outdoor group classes when able.

“As a studio that really runs off of its community-driven members it was really hard to be shut down,” MacKay added.

Goodlife Fitness was also in the same boat, they’ve been closed over the last few weeks and were offering virtual workouts.

And members were thrilled to be walking through the doors this morning.

“So excited to be back open and we’re so excited to be helping the community again and get everybody back into a good state of mind and hopefully get back to somewhat normal again,” Medicine Hat GM Braunwyn Neuberger.

As for the hospitality industry, it’s the day they’ve been waiting for according to Ross Beach, owner of Rossco’s Pub.

Restaurants and pubs can now have up to six people per table indoors and outdoors.

Distancing and masking requirements remain in effect.

And with the rain on Thursday, it was a great day to dine inside.

“People can come in with their friends, socialize and enjoy beverages and food and it’s a long time coming,” he said.

Beach says it’s nice people can enjoy their meal at their favourite restaurant and enjoy the atmosphere.

“I think it just comes to that time where everyone is tired of having takeout, they want to come into their favourite restaurant and enjoy it and it’s such a big relief that we can now and have customers back in our establishments,” Beach added.

Meantime, private social gatherings outdoors can have up to 20 people.

There are no longer any restrictions on youth and adult sports.

Up to 150 people are allowed at public outdoor events, and grandstands for sports and other entertainment can open at one-third capacity

by Chantal Wagner

Community excitement as more public health restrictions ease

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