Santa Maria Valley YMCA prepares for possibility of reopening indoors

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Gym-goers say the pandemic won't stop them from working out at the Santa Maria Valley YMCA.

Santa Maria Valley YMCA member Joe Nemeth said he has multiple reasons for working outdoors at the Y.

"Fitness. Life. Movement. Getting out of the house," said Nemeth.

But many at the local YMCA say they would welcome the option to go indoors, especially during cold weeks like this one.

“After this freezing cold week any percentage is great and members have been calling left and right saying,'Open!' 'Open!' 'Open!' 'Open!,'” said Santa Maria Valley YMCA CEO Shannon Seifert.

Seifert says while the Y is still waiting for the official approval, but the gym is ready to go.

Crews are sanitizing every piece of equipment. When the rooms open, the machines will remain six feet apart.

"We are disinfecting everything. We are ready when they give us the word," said trainer Cruz Peinado.

When it does get the OK to open indoors, managers say they will still be following all health protocols for everyone’s safety.

“Our safety protocols are definitely staying in tact. We’re still masking here at the Y, we’re still checking your temperature, there are hand sanitizers everywhere," said Seifert.

While gym-goers continue enjoying outdoor exercise, Seifert says the Y is just waiting for the green light.