Gym owners confused on new rules allowed in step 2 of relaunch

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – More fitness activities have been approved by the province but gym owners say they’re very confused over the new rules.

Under step 2 of the relaunch which was announced Monday, low-intensity indoor group and individual workouts are allowed, like Pilates and Tai Chi and people can lift light weights if they’re by themselves or in groups but only heavy weights are allowed with trainers.

Dean Schmeichel, who owns CityScape Performance is among many gym owners who are excited to re-open but are confused over what the new rules mean.

“From a business point of view, I would describe it as mediocre, tepid news. We were really hoping for a larger scale reopening.”

Schmeichel added the rules are unclear when it comes to the spacing required for activities like yoga classes.

WATCH: Province steps lightly into stage 2 of re-opening

All gym classes and activities are by appointment only with drop-in exercises still banned.

Another gym owner, Cole Kaylar with Urban Athlete Fitness Studio points out that what’s considered heavy weight exercise for some is different for others.

“The whole thing seems a little bit confusing. I’m not sure why they tried to split hairs here whereas it’s a little more black and white if you’re training with a trainer or not training with a trainer. I don’t know who they talked to get these ideas from but this would look like a blunder to me than a level of success.”

The provincial government said it will re-evaluate its restrictions in preparation for step 3 of its relaunch plan in three weeks time.