Allow micro gyms and boutique studios to reopen

Allowing an operation of 1 client to 1 trainer. This is no different than a single salon operator and client, and it is potentially even more benign in that distance can be more easily maintained by a fitness trainer.

Allowing an operation of no more than a 10 client to 1 trainer ratio. This is no different than a small salon with 4 stylists, or a very small boutique, and potentially even more benign in that distance can be more easily maintained by a fitness trainer.

All of these would take place under the guidelines of intensive hygiene requirements, radical cleaning measures, and would assume that high risk populations would be exceptions to this petition.

Why is this important?

As a small, woman owned business, my boutique Pilates Studio has been classified as a gym or fitness center, and alongside cinemas with a 250+ person capacity, my business has been shut down in advance of other non-essential businesses.

Unlike fitness centers, boutique fitness studios and micro gyms have a typical capacity of 1-6 people. Clients often attend prescheduled sessions limited to this capacity.

In addition, this industry is one of the few female-led and powered industries in existence. We estimate 75% of the owners and workers impacted by this crisis are women.

I ask that you support the Petition to exclude boutique fitness studios and micro-gyms from the definition of of “Gyms” or “fitness centers” and create independent directives applicable for the reduced footprint of the unique business models used by boutique fitness studios and micro-gyms. We respectfully request that Governor Newsom open us alongside other non-essential businesses. As a boutique fitness studio and micro-gym operate under strict guidelines, such as:

Allowing an operation of 1 client to 1 trainer. This is no different than a single salon operator and client, and it is potentially even more benign in that distance can be more easily maintained by a fitness trainer.

Allowing an operation of no more than a 10 client to 1 trainer ratio. This is no different than a small salon with 4 stylists, or a very small boutique, and potentially even more benign in that distance can be more easily maintained by a fitness trainer.

All of these would take place under the guidelines of intensive hygiene requirements, radical cleaning measures and would assume that high risk populations would be exceptions to this petition.

Our industry has, and always will be, committed to the health and well-being of all others. We want to reopen responsibly and as quickly as possible. My boutique fitness studio/ microgym employs numerous team members and supports clients to become healthy, a need more important now than ever.

How it will be delivered

To Governor Newsom via email.