Fitness facilities such as Can-Pro Athletic Training Centre in Red Deer will be shutting down for four weeks starting this weekend after the provincial government announced tougher COVID-19 restrictions. (Supplied photo)

By Sheldon Spackman

Staying Strong

Latest shutdown fuels frustration for local fitness facility operator

Dec 10, 2020 | 3:30 PM

Frustration is the overriding feeling of a local fitness facility owner required to shut his business down again due to increased health restrictions set to take effect on Sunday.

Al Parada, owner and manager of Can-Pro Athletic Training Centre in Red Deer, admits he was very surprised that the government’s new measures announced on Tuesday to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the province included a mandatory shutdown of gyms, studios, fitness and recreation centres.

“I knew maybe more restrictions were coming but didn’t anticipate a total shutdown of everything considered non-essential,” says Parada.

“We feel we have done everything right so far, as far as protocol and preventing COVID in our training centre. We have not had one case come out of our facility and are very proud of that.”

Parada says the shutdown is a huge blow to everyone in the industry, as well as many others.

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“I do not think it is the right thing to do at this time despite rising numbers,” says Parada. “We have went strictly to one-on-one training, as well as semi-private – same household training. A lot of people really need this, not only for physical health but for their mental health as well.”

In the short-term, Parada regrets that his business and others, will never regain the revenue they have lost from both the first and now second COVID-19 shutdowns.

“You may see some businesses, not only in our sector but others as well in other areas, that may not open again,” warns Parada. “For us, we will definitely be reopening in the New Year, but like I said, we will never get back what has been lost. That is the most frustrating part.”

Long-term industry impacts, according to Parada, all depends on how long the COVID-19 pandemic goes on for and the other health and mental health issues it is going to produce in the future.

“A lot of people have either gone into depression or bankruptcy,” laments Parada. “I hope everyone in our industry will make it through this, but obviously that won’t be the case. We will be offering some online programs for some of our clients as well, but for the most part, we are a very hands-on business and most people don’t have the equipment at home to do what we do here at Can-Pro.”

Parada fears that if people eventually turn to purchasing their own home gym equipment, they may not return to facilities like Can-Pro.

“I think my message to the rest of our community is to stay strong and stay active as best you can,” shares Parada. “It is the best thing for mental and physical health and we will all get through this together.”