Local gyms were doing it tough following the initial COVID-19 restrictions that were put in place by the NSW Government in March. After a brief respite as restrictions eased in June they took a step back on August 1 when gyms had to have a COVID-19 Safety Hygiene Marshall present at all times the doors are open.

While this does not affect some gyms that operate restricted hours it does adversely affect 24/7 gyms. To employ a person to be the COVID-19 Safety Hygiene Marshall or ask a staff member to take on that role during non-peak times is an added cost that a small business already under financial pressure can not sustain.

The answer is shorter business hours so 24/7 gyms are having to adjust their trading hours to survive.

George Stevens Manager at Anytime Fitness in Goonellabah said they looked at their most popular times and have made sure they are catered for.

(George Stevens, Manager of Anytime Fitness in Goonellabah)

"We are doing the best we can to staff the gym with our available staff", George said, "we're not 24 hours but we are doing our best to keep members happy".

This has upset a small amount of members with most happy that they are still open.

This was the sentiment at F-Fitness in East Lismore with Manager Casey Clark saying a few people were upset but the majority of people understand the situation.

"It has affected our business slightly", Casey said, "we have lost a few members but the majority have been very supportive".

The main change to 24/7 gyms is the opening hours.

Anytime Fitness are now open 6am to 12 midday and 4pm to 8pm Monday to Thursday, Fridays 8am to 4pm and weekends 8am to 12 midday.

F-Fitness's opening times are 4am to 10pm Monday to Friday while Saturday's are 8am to 5pm and Sunday's 8am to 1:30pm.

Switch 24/7 in the GSAC building has also changed its hours. Tony Duffy told the Lismore App: "Due to the requirement for a COVID-19 Safety Marshal, we have had to close the 24/7 GSAC gym. However we have extended operating hours at the gym. The new hours are Monday to Thursday, 5am to 8pm, Friday 5am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 3pm."

Spare a thought for a new 24/7 gym opening in Lismore Central Shopping Centre on August 18. It is hard enough opening up a new business and in a competitive field.

Manager Sam Waller saying "the restrictive hours affects shift workers like nurses and police officers but we'll do the best we can by opening from 4am to 10pm".

Any further restrictions could well see a few operators closing their doors for good.