Receiving abuse from customers wasn’t something that Stepz Fitness manager Alyce Benson was prepared for when she reopened the Lismore CBD gym this week.

After a series of lockdowns kept the gym closed for weeks, reopening was a bittersweet experience.

With the State Government’s new double vaccination rules for patrons now in place, it’s put extra pressure on business owners who now have to deal with irate customers who are not vaccinated, or have only had one jab.

“I’ve had abuse over the phone and been called names,” Alyce said. “They are blaming me for discriminating against them coming to the gym, when it’s not my decision – it’s the government's. 

 “A lot of gym members are really unhappy - but we also have some great and understanding customers.

“I’m just trying to do the right thing by the rules.

“The first few days were the worst. It’s dividing everyone when we should all be one community.”

Even though she feels uncomfortable asking, Elise said Stepz staff members have to ask each gym to show proof of vaccination.

“The ones who are unvaccinated or only have one jab have had their memberships put on hold, until they have their second jab,” she said. 

Losing money

“Holding memberships means we are losing money – we have lost about 50% of our membership because of this.

“We are also losing new customers who want to sign up to get fit and healthy, but they can’t because they haven’t yet had two jabs. 

“It would be amazing if the government would allow people in regional areas with one jab to use services.

“We haven’t had the same vaccine supply here and we have a lower vaccination rate than city people who are well ahead of us.

“The government needs to be more lenient.”

Irony

The irony that a staff member with one jab can go to work but can’t enter the gym as a patron is not lost on Elise. She sees the withholding of entry to fitness facilities as a blow to people’s mental health.

“So many people are crying out to come in and use the gym to release their anxiety and stress and go home refreshed. 

“Some personal trainers have adapted and are training one on one outside.” 

Alyce Benson and others at Stepz Fitness.

Fitness Manouvers 

At Dawson Street’s Fitness Manouvers, personal trainer Kate Cairnduff said she has not copped any abuse from customers, but that she has lost about one-third of her clients because of the vaccination rules.

“I’ve lost 16 clients every week who are not yet double jabbed and can’t come to the studio,” Kate said.

“I’ve given them free access to my client online program so they can keep moving and I can keep engaging with them.

“I don’t want there to be a ‘them and us’ division within my own community

Kate said she witnesses the client's vaccination certificates the first time, then doesn’t need to see them again.

“Then we don’t talk about it any more and just get on with it,” she said. “I want it to be as uncomplicated as possible.”

Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre (GSAC)

At the Council-run Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre (GSAC), restrictions are also in place for people depending on their Covid-19 vaccination status.

A Lismore City Council spokesperson said, “Council acknowledges that some people may not have had the opportunity to get their first and/or second vaccination, while others have chosen not to get vaccinated”.

“Those wanting to access GSAC must show proof of double COVID-19 vaccination or hold a medical contraindication certificate.”

GSAC operating hours will be from 10.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and closed on Saturday and Sunday. 

Switch Fitness

For Switch Fitness, to gain 24-hour access to the gym facility, members are asked to visit the front reception desk first during operating hours to show proof of double COVID-19 vaccination or a medical contraindication certificate. Access will then be granted.

No group fitness classes will operate however this will be reviewed weekly.

Swimming

Recreation swimmers will be allowed to use the pool during the normal operating hours of the centre.

Learn to Swim classes will not open until Monday, 1 November and will resume with limited lessons in the afternoons only. Anyone wanting to confirm Learn to Swim classes from 1 November onwards are advised to contact GSAC on 02 6625 5370.

Cafe

The GSAC café will re-open and creche will be closed until further notice.

“The next stage of the NSW Government Roadmap is due to commence on Monday, 6 December and normal operations are expected to continue unless any changes from the NSW Government occur,” the spokesperson said.

“We will continue to keep our community up to date with any changes and please continue to practice COVID-19 safety protocols, including the mandatory wearing of a mask, signing in and out with a QR Code, using hand sanitiser and practising social distancing.”