Santa Maria gym struggles to survive during COVID-19 pandemic

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - With gyms closing across the United States from the COVID-19 pandemic, local gyms are also struggling to survive. Custom Workouts in Santa Maria is trying to endure the stay at home order and hopes to reopen once the pandemic is over.

“We just want to thank our fit family, the Santa Maria Community…” said Custom Workouts Manager Michele LaPorga as she broke down in tears.

Emotions took her over as she reflected on the hardships Custom Workouts is facing alongside many others. She relayed how grateful the gym is for the members who stuck around and for the community's support.

“We definitely had to do a shift in how we operate things,” said LaPorga.

“It really is difficult to survive right now because we still have to pay rent,” said Custom Workouts Owner Marc Gatson.

The Gym is hoping to stay open and doing their best to find ways to keep business going.

“We are offering free Zoom training with a membership,” said Gatson.

The online sessions are helping, but they fear they may not make it.

“We are hustling every single day to keep this going,” said Gatson.

“We do have a GoFundMe page, Custom Workouts COVID-19 Relief Fund. This is in hopes to survive in this difficult time,” said LaPorga.

Owner Marc Gatson stresses the importance of people staying physically active during this difficult time. He recommends at least an hour of fitness a day.

“Part of what I am doing with the training on Zoom is to help people stay positive and help keep their mind from going into that stressful mode,” said Gatson.

The gym is also planning for ways to keep social distancing alive and create a space people will feel safe to work out in once officials allow society to reemerge.

“What we are planning to do is space out the equipment, have more cleaning stations and have options where clients can wear gloves and masks,” said LaPorga.