SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- It's survival of the fittest once again for gyms and fitness centers across the county as San Diego braces for stricter pandemic-related restrictions that go into effect Saturday.
One gym preparing for the big shift is major chain 24 Hour Fitness. While members can't choose from their dozens of locations to workout, seven county locations will be open and offering outdoor equipment to members.
"We're committed to staying outdoors, staying safe, and the well-being of our members is the priority," said 24 Hour Fitness district manager John Amato.
Amato told ABC 10News that member visits will be reservation based with 90-minute windows, minimized to 57 guests at a time.
While many prepared for what's to come, others like gym owner Tom Green of Green Speed Training in Eastlake did the opposite. Instead of expanding his outdoor space for members, he doubled the square footage on the inside, even though guests won't be allowed to workout indoors until the county falls in a less restrictive tier.
"It's certainly risky, but I've always been kind of a risk taker and I go with my gut instinct, and if I feel good about it, I go for it," Green said.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Green said support from the Eastlake community along with members of his gym have helped keep things afloat and allowed him to upgrade indoor space.
"It's very supportive, and we have a lot of great clients who really support what we're doing,” said Green.
Regardless, both gyms said they'll continue to be there for their clients no matter which tier San Diego slips into next.
"To get that one-hour workout in, and de-stress to stay healthy, that's what our goal is,” said Amato.