'It has been unbelievably hard:' Gym owners ready for eased capacity restrictions

It's been over seven months since gyms have operated without restrictions. In that time period gym owners in the Triangle said they have suffered.

"It has been unbelievably hard in North Carolina. We have been shut down for seven months, so you can calculate seven months of expenses," said Doug Warf, with MDO Holdings.

Cooper expects to remove capacity limits, end distancing requirements in June

MDO Holdings owns 16 O2 Fitness Centers in the Triangle.

The company started with 1,200 employees in 2020. Now, it’s down to just over 500.

In the process, the gyms have lost about $10 million in revenue, according to Warf.

But Warf said Gov. Cooper's announcement to remove capacity restrictions is coming at the right time for the company.

"I think it is exciting," said Warf. "It helps with consumer confidence. Capacity is a big piece for gyms."

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No fitness community could escape the financial hit.

The YMCA had to decrease staff, restrict building capacity and limit class sizes. But when restrictions are loosened in June, YMCA's chief experience officer Tom Campion said the YMCA could look somewhat normal.

"When we read the release, we were energized for two reasons: The direction and, of course ... [where] the state is headed as we head into summer," said Campione.

He added that a combination of members and donors helped the YMCA stay afloat.

Warf credited members also for helping to keep the lights on.

Even with Cooper's OK, short-staffed restaurants won't be able to welcome full crowds