BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — As part of Jackson County's phase one reopening plan, gyms must stay closed for now, and there's no timeline on when they might reopen.
The plan is leaving some gym owners in the county frustrated and confused.
Rachel Wattenbarger owns Anytime Fitness in Blue Springs and said she feels discriminated against.
"When we looked at the phase one guidelines, we can easily follow the social distancing guidelines and be respectful of this virus and what it entails and what it can do to people," Wattenbarger said.
Wattenbarger also works as a nurse practitioner and said she understands the safety measures that must take place.
"With my love of science and all things I've dedicated my life to, I fully respect and appreciate the seriousness of the virus, but on a business standpoint I just want a level playing field," Wattenbarger said.
Wattenbarger worries the county will decide when to begin its next phase based off the number of cases.
"If it's going to be based off of these numbers going up, we don't stand a chance because inevitably the numbers are going to go up when you reopen," Wattenbarger said. "To have all of the counties around us open but not us, we're set up to fail."
Across town at Blue Springs Fitness, owner Kurt Mueller said he had a system in place before closing that would allow his gym to follow all of the guidelines.
"We only had 10 people, including employees, at all times," Mueller said. "It worked out beautifully, we upped our sanitation efforts, everyone was cleaning up after themselves."
Both owners feel gyms should be able to open because they can also keep detailed records and maintain social distancing and cleaning practices.
They also feel access to gyms is important to help fight the virus.
"One of the biggest risk factors in fighting any type of disease, but specifically an infectious one, is to be healthy, and the best way to promote a healthy immune system is to exercise and eat right," Wattenbarger said.
Both owners have reached out to Jackson County Legislator and former Missouri State Rep. Jeanie Lauer with their concerns.
Lauer said she empathizes with them, and she plans to act as a liaison between gym owners and the Jackson County Health Department to see if changes can be made to the plan.
41 Action News reached out to Jackson County about the phase one plan excluding gyms, but we have not heard back.
