Fitness class moves outdoors as health officials loosen COVID-19 restrictions

CALGARY (CITYNEWS) – Pete Estabrooks is taking things outside.

The Calgary fitness trainer is moving his workout classes outdoors now that Alberta health officials have loosened some restrictions around outdoor gatherings.

“I’m making sure all the bases are covered and I’m really looking forward to throwing some punches, doing some crunches and having a lot of fun,” said Estabrooks.

“My classes usually are boxing based, you’re going to be doing sit-ups and trading punches with other people so it will be a different dynamic – socially distant, no sharing equipment.”

Currently in Alberta, gyms fall under the final phase of re-opening. With customers not allowed inside the gym – for the time being – Estabrooks is planning on hosting classes on the pavement outside.

“You have a dozen exercises that you’ll go through a dozen times,” he said. “Eight feet, but you’ll be close enough that there is another person there. You’ll once again have that feeling of a fitness class.

“I’ve actually overkilled the rules. They say two meters, I did three. They said no shared equipment – we will have no shared equipment. Everyone has a wipe-down spray bottle.”

Estabrooks admits the transition has been challenging. He even reached out to Alberta Health Services for guidance – during what’s been the longest stretch in 40 years where he has not taught a class.

He hopes COVID-19 restrictions loosen further in the coming months. His strategy for outdoor classes only works when weather permits.

“I know whoever is making the rules has a difficult task, but I think they should rely on the intelligence and ingenuity of business owners,” he said. “This is a 3,500 square foot facility. I could have 10 people in here safely distancing.

“It is in my best interest to make sure that everyone that comes is safe and following the rules.”