Seymour gym owners pleased to open doors again

Carol said the latest closure came at an inconvenient time as Seymour Youth and Fitness Centre was preparing to reopen after closing for Sergio to have heart surgery.

“Sergio was back up and going and we were excited to be opening the doors again just as the lockdown hit,” she said.

“It’s frustrating to keep going into lockdown. It damages the financial position of the gym like it does every business.

“We’re a not-for-profit with no staff so we can’t access any support, but we still have bills to pay with no income.

“We had a smashed window that cost $370 to fix recently. That’s not an enormous amount of money but it hurts when you’ve got nothing coming in.”

Sergio said he was concerned about the physical and mental impacts continued lockdowns were having on his members and the wider population.

“Part of my recovery from heart surgery was exercise. That’s because exercise is good for physical and mental health,” he said.

“Working from home and being inside all the time creates a damaging cycle. Staying in your pyjamas and not socialising is unhealthy.

“Sadly, once people break the cycle and get back to normal, another lockdown hits and it starts again.

“But we’re choosing to be positive. We’re back open and our members are returning, for which we are very grateful.

“Hopefully, that was the last lockdown we have to deal with.”

Seymour Youth and Fitness Centre is at 29 Alfred St, Seymour, and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 pm to 7 pm and Saturdays from 2.30 pm to 6 pm.

During the mornings on those days, Mr Prado-Arnuero trains people with special needs.

For more information, phone Sergio Prado-Arnuero on 0437 813 788.