1,000 signatures reached
To: Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Reclassification of Pilates Studios as Boutique Fitness Studios/Microgyms
Allowing an operation of 1-2 clients to 1 trainer. This is completely manageable based upon the large size of our facility (1200 square feet) and the minimal equipment in our space. At least six feet distance can be easily maintained by a fitness trainer and her clients.
Allowing an operation of no more than 4 clients to 1 trainer ratio. This is completely manageable based upon the large size of our facility (1200 square feet) and the minimal equipment in our space. At least six feet distance can be easily maintained by a fitness trainer and her clients.
All of these would take place under the guidelines of intensive hygiene requirements, radical cleaning measures, pre-screening of temperatures and brief health history upon arrival, no congregating in common areas allowed, masks to be worn by instructors, admittance permitted upon exit of preceding clients and would assume that high risk populations would be exceptions to this petition.
Allowing an operation of no more than 4 clients to 1 trainer ratio. This is completely manageable based upon the large size of our facility (1200 square feet) and the minimal equipment in our space. At least six feet distance can be easily maintained by a fitness trainer and her clients.
All of these would take place under the guidelines of intensive hygiene requirements, radical cleaning measures, pre-screening of temperatures and brief health history upon arrival, no congregating in common areas allowed, masks to be worn by instructors, admittance permitted upon exit of preceding clients 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, and in turn, my business has been shut down in advance of other non-essential businesses. We have been closed since March 16th, and while we have made every effort to generate revenue through virtual, online classes our monthly revenue has dropped below 5 percent of its regular value.
To be clear, unlike gyms and fitness centers, boutique fitness studios and micro gyms have a typical capacity of 1-6 people. Most clients are seen 1-1 (instructor-client) up to 4-1 ratios as normal practice. Clients attend pre-scheduled sessions limited to this capacity. At no point are clients admitted to classes as walk-Ins, a physical appointment must be scheduled 12-24 hours in advance of their session.
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 Whitmer open us along side other non-essential businesses who will reopen June1. As a boutique fitness studio and micro-gym, it can be argued that we are actually are an essential business as we see more than 60% of our clients in a therapeutic/rehabilitative manner, under the guidance of licensed physical therapists.
Our industry has, and always will be committed to the health and wellbeing of all others. We want to reopen responsibly and as quickly as possible.As the studio owner, I can attest that my boutique fitness studio/ microgym appreciates the importance of employing several team members and supporting clients to become healthy with the least risk possible to their good health.
To be clear, unlike gyms and fitness centers, boutique fitness studios and micro gyms have a typical capacity of 1-6 people. Most clients are seen 1-1 (instructor-client) up to 4-1 ratios as normal practice. Clients attend pre-scheduled sessions limited to this capacity. At no point are clients admitted to classes as walk-Ins, a physical appointment must be scheduled 12-24 hours in advance of their session.
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 Whitmer open us along side other non-essential businesses who will reopen June1. As a boutique fitness studio and micro-gym, it can be argued that we are actually are an essential business as we see more than 60% of our clients in a therapeutic/rehabilitative manner, under the guidance of licensed physical therapists.
Our industry has, and always will be committed to the health and wellbeing of all others. We want to reopen responsibly and as quickly as possible.As the studio owner, I can attest that my boutique fitness studio/ microgym appreciates the importance of employing several team members and supporting clients to become healthy with the least risk possible to their good health.