Just one of many strange lockdown rules; gyms are not only closed but are not allowed to host outdoor workouts and classes. As much as regular exercise is important for physical and mental health, greatly improving sleep, mood, energy and overall well-being, it seems that those qualities are being overlooked in this new pandemic regimen. No, exercise itself has not been banned but gyms and other fitness-related businesses that help people to stay on track and achieve their goals, have now been fully closed in Toronto for 6 months.
Rightfully so, gym owners, fitness coaches and their clients are rather fed up with the lockdown rules. One Toronto gym, in particular, has begun staging a creative peaceful protest. United Boxing Club has been organizing large, outdoor workouts in various parks around the city.
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“While businesses selling alcohol, cannabis, tobacco and junk food to Ontarians have been deemed essential,” United Boxing Club stated in an Instagram post. “residents of the province have not been allowed to seek professional support when it comes to fitness and exercises, which have been proven to bolster mental health. If you believe fitness to be essential let’s unite and workout to protest these restrictions.”
What’s Happened So Far?
So far the group has organized large outdoor workouts in Christie Pits Park, Canoe Landing Park, Queen’s Park and, most recently, outside Toronto City Hall at Nathan Philips Square. They are not anti-maskers and they do not ignore the reality we are living in. COVID-19 protocols are followed including mandatory social distancing and mask-wearing (until the workouts begin), no group gatherings and no attendance if you feel symptoms of the virus.
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The next peaceful protest workout from United Boxing Club is happening tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Yonge-Dundas Square. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to join, so long as they are respectful of the rules.
