Over the last 16 months, we have become accustomed to using masks on a daily basis, everywhere we go. For most of us, it has been something we can do to stop the spread of COVID and contribute positively to our community.
The idea of dropping the mask mandate feels like whiplash. We know that vaccination in Minneapolis is high, we know cases are decreasing, we know that the community is safer. The science is pointing to dropping the mask mandate.
However, we know that this is both an emotional and practical decision. The trauma of this past year makes us feel very protective and cling to the things we know work, even if they aren’t necessary anymore. We understand that as a staff, and feel it ourselves.
In addition, we’ve prided ourselves on being vigilant about masking, well before it was even mandated. That means we’ve all become accustomed to masked workouts and have built a community around those principals. We’ve even lost members who wanted a gym that didn’t require masking.
All of these reasons mean that we want to be conscious of offering you time to process what a mask-less gym will be like. We will be waiting until July 1st to make masking optional. Starting July 1st you will not be required to wear a mask in the gym, but you will also not be judged for continuing to wear one if you choose to. And we will require un-vaccinated people to continue to wear one.
In the meantime, here are some changes you will see taking place starting today, June 2nd:
- Masks are no longer required for outdoor classes in any form. You can come without a mask, get your stuff and workout outside without ever putting a mask on if you so choose.
- If you are a personal training client and have a 1-on-1 with a coach you can choose whether you wear a mask.
- If you are here for open gym alone and are vaccinated, you may workout without a mask.
Thank you for being patient and for being on our team with this stuff. It means a lot that you have all contributed your ideas throughout this insane process of running a gym during a pandemic. We are so thrilled to be able to find some sense of normalcy with you, and revive all of the things we’ve lost in the last year.
Can’t wait to see your beautiful faces again!