Henderson YMCA welcomes back members ready for exercise
HENDERSON, Ky. – After the closing of the Henderson County Family YMCA during the pandemic, long-time member Anthony Burrus said most of his exercise time has been spent at his kitchen table.
"I've been working a fork or spoon, that's about it," he said jokingly. "It's time to get rid of this quarantine belly."
After the center closed its doors due to COVID-19 restrictions in March, Burrus said he hasn't worked out as extensively from home. With him no longer having access to weight lifting equipment, Burrus was forced to find creative ways to break a sweat.
But once he heard the Y was opening its four fitness rooms on Monday, he immediately jumped at the opportunity.
"When I found out my first thought was to come here," he said. "It's been two months. That's a long time.
"It gets old sitting at the house. It's like being in solitary confinement."
While the center has made various changes to accommodate for state and federal regulations, CEO Sheldon Booze said the center's had a great response from members such as Burrus and others who have made their way to the center.
"People just want to see some familiar faces in a different setting, and it's been great overall," Booze said.
YMCA staff are required to wear masks and clean equipment, and members' temperatures are measured at the facility's service desk.
Booze said he expects more patrons will occupy weightlifting and cardio machines once they adjust to the center's new policies.
To help aid this adjustment, the center has withheld each patron's monthly membership fee until July 15.
"It gives members plenty of time to feel comfortable hopefully when they are ready to come back in," he said. "And as we're ready to open up some more areas."
After this phase of reopening, Booze said the center will begin opening other areas on a weekly basis, slowly easing more members to come work out and take part in future programming.
The Henderson Y will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.