‘I’m backed into a corner’: Monroe gym reopens despite governor’s order

MONROE, N.C. — The owner of a gym in Monroe is taking a stand against Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order.

John Howie decided to reopen Enterprise Fitness, even though it was not included in Phase 2.

He has owned the gym for 40 years and this is the longest break he’s ever had all due to COVID-19.

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Over the weekend, he opened his doors in violation of the governor’s order and Monday, Monroe police shut him down.

“They just walked in and they were very nice and they didn’t want to do it. They didn’t want to make us close,” he said.

Howie said he had no choice but to open because his business isn’t going to survive being closed another 5 weeks.

“I knew we were open against the regulations or whatever, but I’m backed into a corner what do I do?” he said.

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Many of Howie’s gym members said they have just as much a right to work out as people have to shop at Walmart and they feel their health is suffering.

“People need to go to the gym. I myself suffer from OCD, depression because of the gym and getting the activity, I don’t have to take medication,” member Jesse Rorie said.

Gym owners thought they would be included in Cooper’s Phase 2 reopening and were furious when they were left out.

State health leaders said coronavirus cases are still climbing in North Carolina so close-contact business could be dangerous.

Howie said he doesn’t buy it and supports a lawsuit that will be filed Wednesday by gym owners to force the governor’s hand.

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“We do way more than Walmart or Lowes. We do temperature checks when they come in. We give them a towel,” he said.

The machines are also marked off for social distancing.

“My husband is active duty military so we don’t have family, this is my family so when it’s closed I don’t get to see my family,” member Rose Dowdy said.

Rockbox Fitness in South End also reopened Saturday against the governor’s order.

‘This wasn’t a choice’: South End gym owner reopens despite governor’s order

The owner told Channel 9 that he had to open because he has lost so much money.

At last check, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police hadn’t cited the gym.

Officers told us they’re giving warnings to businesses first. Citations will be the last option.