What it’s going to take to get to California’s stage 3 reopening phase

On Wednesday Gov. Gavin Newsom hosted a roundtable discussion with members of the fitness industry. Those who were part of the conversation were able to weigh in on what they needed, and wanted to see to get their businesses back up and running.

The state of California is currently in phase 2 of reopening. Counties have had the chance to go through an "attestation criteria" process, which can help them move further into phase 2. Despite several businesses, such as restaurants and stores opening back up, businesses categorized in stage 3 have remained closed.

Under the state's phase 3 of reopening, businesses include nail salons, tattoo shops, movie theaters, and fitness centers.

"Within a week or so we believe we’ll be in a position to make public the guidelines in your sector," Gov. Gavin Newsom said to the group.

State officials went onto say that guidelines were being formulated, and that they wanted to get it 'right' before releasing them.

One member of the group chimed in, and said he didn't have a lot of time.

“I cannot afford to wait much longer than a week at this stage," Adam Attia of Fitness Rangers said.

So far, the state has not released indicators on what is needed to start phase 3. The governor's office released this statement:

Counties are encouraged to plan for Stage 3 and beyond so when the appropriate time arrives, they may do so. As has been up to this point, this transition will take into account  the latest science, case data and the flattening of the curve

Several businesses continue to suffer unprecedented losses as they remain closed. In the Coachella Valley, several fitness centers have changed up their routines and began offering virtual classes.

"A lot of our members understand that’s just what it had to become," Palm Desert Fit in 42 general manager, Gabriel Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said most of its 175 members are doing classes at home.

"Once we closed down and we realized this was probably going to be for a while, we allowed our members to check out our weights," Rodriguez said.

The company has been prepping for the moment when the state does decide to allow gyms to open back up.

"We have our sanitizing wipes," Rodriguez said. We plan on eliminating a lot of the things that are multi-use. Our gym towels- we’re probably not going to have gym towels. We’re going to keep the equipment to one specific person, so if you’re in the gym working out you’re going to have a station with just your equipment and then you’re going to clean that equipment once you're done with it. Nobody else is going to use it during the workout."

Bikram Yoga Plus in Palm Springs has also been preparing.

"Definitely masks are going to be required coming in-- hand sanitizer, getting your temperature read," Bikram Yoga Plus manager, David Williams said.

The studio has also been offering classes online. They are allowing essential workers to have a free months-worth of online classes.

Williams said a room that typically holds around 28 people will not be reduced down to 6-8 people. He said it will be on a first come first served basis. The remaining members will do it online. They are still determining whether masks will be required during a hot yoga class.

Upon reopening in the future, both businesses will continue to offer an online option in case members are not yet ready to workout inside their facilities.