SoCal gym offers free fitness classes following second shutdown

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. - A Southern California gym is making the best of being forced to reclose for a second time by offering free outdoor fitness classes to the community.

Afterburn Fitness, with locations in Manhattan Beach and Valencia is making lemonade out of the lemons they have been dealt with during the coronavirus pandemic.

The pandemic has been brutal on the fitness industry. Gyms in Los Angeles County were ordered to close in March before being given the green light to reopen on June 12.

Just over a month later, gyms and fitness centers hit another hurdle as many California counties reported a surge in coronavirus cases and the number of COVID-19 patients continues to overwhelm many local hospitals.

RELATED: Stay up to date on all coronavirus-related information

On Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsom called for several businesses in 30 of California’s 58 counties to reclose its indoor operations, impacting 80% of the state. The order included fitness centers and hair salons.

RELATED: Gov. Newsom orders additional businesses in most of California to reclose

“It’s unfortunate that we got that order again, but at the end of the day, we have to adapt. Our community has always been there for us…all memberships are on freeze right now, no charge whatsoever and it’s just our way to give back to our community. It’s a tough time for everybody, right? They still need options to come here and we want to provide that,” said Jason Fields, the Afterburn Fitness South Bay General Manager.

Despite losing money, he wants the gym to be a place of support. 

“If we can offer these workouts and if there are any other individuals out there that are in a situation where their gym shut down and they need a place to come, come visit us. We do know that once we get the green light, our community is still going to be there,” Fields said. 

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