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Crunch Fitness Commercial - Fall 2021

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Crunch Fitness CEO and Former Marine Always Wants More

Jim Rowley, Crunch Fitness chief executive officer, sits down on Future to talk about how his gyms were prepared for an emergency, even before the Covid pandemic. As a former Marine, he also has advice for those looking to transition after their military career is over. (Source: Bloomberg)

Gyms Do Not Spread Covid, Crunch CEO Says

Crunch Worldwide Chief Executive Officer Jim Rowley says gyms are safe and not the problem when it comes to the Covid-19 pandemic. He speaks on "Bloomberg Markets: The Close." (Source: Bloomberg)

Crunch Franchise CEO: Gyms to Offer Smaller Classes, More Sanitation for Reopening

When Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced that the state will reopen some shuttered businesses as soon as Friday, his decision was quickly met with criticism and some confusion from local officials. The order allows gyms, hair and nail salons, bowling alleys, and tattoo parlors to reopen first, with dine-in restaurants and movie theaters allowed to open their doors on Monday. 

 

Ben Midgley, CEO of Crunch Fitness Franchise, told Cheddar Wednesday that the company will take a close look at its approach to reopening its facilities.

 

“We are taking a thoughtful and careful approach to this. We want to step into this very carefully, so we’ve prepared a 30-page readiness plan for our clubs so we can make sure we are following a number of different aspects,” Midgley said.

 

The CEO also said workout classes have been modified to accommodate social distancing. To ensure that gym participants have an adequate amount of space, Midgley said they will have lower class sizes and will sanitize equipment between uses. 

 

The government has been trying to provide relief for businesses through the CARES Act and through small business loans, however, Midgley noted there are limits to its effectiveness.

 

“There are challenges with the program in terms of the ratios that they can apply for forgiveness on the debt, an amount that has to go to payroll, an amount that can go to your lease payment, an amount to rent,” he said. "There is a tremendous amount of documentation that has to go back to the SBA until those loans are forgiven." 

 

But despite those concerns, the CEO thinks business owners are putting their best foot forward.