"Finally reopened: it was time. We needed some fresh air, because in these seven months they have forgotten us and the losses have been very high".
It was October 26 when the Dpcm of the then Conte government came into force, which imposed a lockout on indoor sports.
Exactly 210 days later, the indoor gyms reopened today.
Businesses, companies, companies, which have had to deal with a tremendous drain.
Some have preferred not to reopen.
Among the thousands who have instead decided to return to a semblance of normality by challenging deadlines and reimbursements, there is Gabriele Saolini of Fitness Mood in Battistini, a western suburb of Rome.
The smile returns, after complicated months: "There was a lot of influx this morning: unfortunately many people did not come to train but to recover the money lost from season tickets. So the balance between the two is nil", he explained to ANSA . In fact, the entry 'reopening' also corresponds to that 'losses' after exactly seven months of lowered shutters: "We obtained refreshments for 2,000 euros, against an estimated loss of about 280,000 euros in turnover - claims Saolini - To reopen us they gave about a week's notice. We were penalized and financially they helped us zero. The only positive thing was the bonus for sports collaborators ". Difficulty that the president of Coni Giovanni Malagò had also noted this morning: "Better late than never,even if it is very difficult for company owners to cope with the great difficulties ".
Gyms reopened, but with very strict security protocols. Spacing of two meters between one machine and another, quota entrances, self-certifications, checks with thermoscanner and sanitizers everywhere: "The member is already dressed for training with spare shoes, because the shower cannot be used - added the manager of the Fitness Mood - and at the moment this wiped out a whole slice of customers who used their work lunch break to come and train ". Many are long-time customers who have postponed their return to better times.
Mery is a fitness loyalist, has been training for 15 years and has also made physical activity work. She did not miss the appointment with the expected reopening: "Since the previous lockdown I have always trained at home - she explains - The response to the reopening was positive, I had no doubts. It was time, people no longer want to train at home, there is a desire for sociability ".
A few kilometers away, lights on in the three floors of the VirginActive in Valle Aurelia, one of the 36 points in Italy. Here too, the members have returned to training: "Virgin Active had long been ready to safely host its members", explains Alessandro Garibaldi, Communication director of the chain. Their motto has become 'Unstoppable', unstoppable: "The only criticality that remains for now is the impossibility for members to use the showers and the indoor pool - he says - for these measures we should wait a few more days and we will also invite the our members to 'be patient' a little longer ".