Like all gyms in Manitoba, the new Anytime Fitness location in Niverville was forced to close their doors late last year—in their case, before they’d even had a chance to open them. The facility had been slated to open in November, a plan which necessarily had to be put on hold owing to the pandemic.

The long delay is now over. On Saturday, February 13, members will be let inside the brand-new facility for the first time, with the doors opening at 10:00 a.m.

The opening was made possible by changes to the province’s public health orders, which allow gyms, fitness centres, and yoga studios to reopen at 25 percent capacity.

Nathan Dyck, one of the owners of the local Anytime Fitness franchise, says that the months-long wait has been difficult, to say the least.

“It has been challenging,” Dyck says. “However, we know Niverville is ready for a fitness centre that provides the level of service and quality that we are bringing.”

To access the gym, members will need to strictly adhere to the rules. This includes using the gym’s reservation system, wearing a mask at all times, practicing social distancing, and staying home when not feeling well.

Dyck wants to assure the community that the gym is safe and that they’re following the government’s lead on health and safety, but also that they’ve had stringent cleaning measures in place all along.

“In addition to the government-mandated regulations, we have always practiced industry best cleaning standards,” he says. “Of course, indoor footwear and gym attire guidelines are all there, but we have been using medical disinfectant wipes for our equipment for over eight years, long before COVID. We have regimented daily, hourly, weekly, and even deep-cleaning schedules. We take health seriously.”

If you’re interesting in joining the gym, Dyck says now is a good time to check them out. On Saturday, they’ll be offering a “Join for $1” promotion, which includes a 30-day starting workout program as well as a fitness consultation with a personal trainer.

“We have been very pleased with the response we have received from Niverville,” Dyck adds. “We are a perfect avenue for individuals who have suffered, as so many have, from the mental and physical health challenges that we have faced in the last year. Our state-of-the-art facility and support will be very refreshing for many. We are excited to be a part of the health and wellbeing of the community for years to come.”