Ryan Wolman warned people to respect his gym’s closure amid the coronavirus crisis (Instagram/@Ryantotrainer)
A gay personal trainer had some choice words for the guys who are begging him to reopen his gym just for them amid the coronavirus crisis.
Ryan Wolman is partner, coach and LGBT+ health advocate at Motus Training Studio in Toronto, Canada. As of March 30, there are 591 positive cases of the virus in the city, 67 of which have been hospitalised.
Political leaders across the country are calling on Canadians to self-isolate, and scores of businesses have dutifully closed their doors to customers. But Wolman has found himself inundated with requests from men who want to be an exception to the rule.
“To the gay guys on hookup apps, the muscle bears on Facebook, the circuit boys on Insta…we need to have a talk,” he wrote in an open letter on Instagram.
“Stop asking me if my gym is open. It’s not… Stop asking me if I will open it for you. I won’t…
“Yes I know how much you just offered me per hour… No. I won’t let you in… Because it’s illegal, it’s irresponsible and quite frankly you need to stop.”
While he acknowledges that it’s a stressful time and queer people are disproportionately affected by mental health issues, he urges them to “find other ways to channel that energy”, rather than risking their health and others.
Are you addicted to fitness … or are you addicted to ‘The Gym’?
“Maybe this is a good time to consider why you’re willing to risk your health to go to a place designed to increase your health. Isn’t that a bit strange? Are you maybe addicted?” Wolman asks.
“If so, are you addicted to fitness (which you can get outside or at home) or are you addicted to ‘The Gym’. I mean, I own a gym, usually I’m thrilled that you put so much effort in.
“[But] you can workout at home. If you need help I can help you. I do a ton of stuff for free and most trainers would kill for a couple extra online clients right now. Yes I know that home workouts don’t make you get the same gainz, but that’s how it is.”
He continues by suggesting that the gym buffs make the best of the situation, “assess some of the negative” and do a detox, which is great advice anyway, regardless of the health crisis.
And he had an important reminder: “The gym is a place, it’s not your life.”
“Right now, a gym could lower the quality of your life, or even end it,” he concluded. “So no I don’t want you in my gym right now. I don’t care what you offer. It’s not good for me, it’s not good for your community, and it’s sure as hell not good for you.
“If you need help ask for help. We’re in this together.”