Salinas gym moves outdoors, hopes other business will follow their lead

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) With restrictions on indoor operations for many businesses in Monterey County, some are hitting the parking lot. Crossfit Hyperactive, a gym in Salinas, has done just that. And they're not the only ones on board with the idea.

Clients, on Tuesday night, said they like working out in the fresh air.

“Sometimes it’s a little cold, but it kind of airs out,” participant Ayden Lopez said.

The classes are smaller and there's a lot of cleaning that goes on. But some of the clients said they'd rather exercise outside, considering the conditions.

“It’s actually better because we can breathe better,” client Karlie Santos said.

The move to the parking lot was not without its challenges. But instructors said it's a learning process.

“We rented a storage unit just to have our equipment a little closer to us," owner Jesse Lopez said. "So we didn’t have to go back and forth.”

They said, because they've been successful so far, they think other businesses in Salinas should consider following their lead.

“It’s really not feasible for some businesses, but hey, anybody who can keep business rolling, if you can move outside, it’s an option,” instructor Julio Santiago said.

Salinas City Council members agreed. They said an emergency order is underway for businesses--beyond restaurants--to operate outside. The idea is that permit fees will be deferred and reconsidered in October. They expect to expedite the process of moving businesses outdoors.

“Small business has already been impacted so much. We’re ready to do everything we can to act vastly," Salinas City Council Member Steve McShane said.