TURIN. They were stopped from October 26, like all Piedmontese gyms. But they have been suffering since February of last year: already in the spring they had stopped all activities for three months. Since yesterday they have started again, overcoming the blocks of the anti Covid regulations. They did this by moving the activities outside, where they mounted ad hoc tensile structures, under which they brought part of the equipment: weight benches and spin-bikes, carpets and rowing machines. They are the gyms of Orange. Or rather: two of the eight clubs of the Turin group, present in the capital and in the hinterland (a ninth was acquired ten days ago in via Nizza, towards Porta Nuova). They are those in piazza Nizza and via Orbetello: it is here that, from 9 yesterday morning, the instructors have resumed welcoming the members who have started training again. Not inside the gyms (which remain closed) but under the maxi awnings open on four sides: the 375 square meter one in via Nizza, and in via Orbetello. Structures installed not on the street, but in their respective private parking lots. “For this operation we have invested 25 thousand euros” explains Cesare Fornasero, the managing director of Orange Palestre, which has 30 thousand members.
Money spent for the assembly and rental of the two tensile structures – both with video surveillance systems – as well as for the movement of machinery, which had been working for a week. Add to that the cost of personnel, at least that of the two gyms – Orange has 150 employees in all – previously on layoffs. A different path from that chosen by those who are organizing gymnastics sessions in parks: “Because in our activities, equipment is an indispensable element,” says Fornasero.
A timed initiative given that – at Orange they are aware of it – it could soon suffer an abrupt stop: any entry into the red zone would block, after indoor activities, even outdoor ones (allowed instead in yellow and orange). Another theme is added, linked to the closure – from today – of areas equipped for games and sports in parks, villas and public gardens. A measure ordered by the Region (and implemented by the Municipality) which they trust to Orange will not force them to review their plans. The Turin group relies on what is reported on the government website, where it is clarified that “it is possible to use the outdoor spaces of the gyms for organized sporting activities”.
Yesterday at 10.30, in piazza Nizza, the first five members were already at work with the tools. For everyone, the rules are strict. First: reservations are required, in order not to exceed the limit of entrances to the tensile structures and to respect 12 square meters per person (no more than 31 members in piazza Nizza, maximum 27 in via Orbetello). And it is necessary to do it on the web, since the secretariat is closed. Second: each member can stay for no more than an hour. The other obligations are those known for some time: wear a mask, sanitize hands, respect distances. —
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