Why?
Globally the industry is worth approximately $94bil with 210,000 clubs and 183mil members, this doesn't include all of the other related industries within fitness. The US market alone with almost 40,000 clubs, 62.5 mil members and is estimated at $32billion.
For the purposes of physical and ESPECIALLY mental health, this industry should be deemed "essential”. Just a small example would be the recovering alcoholic or drug addict that turns to the gym as a way out and to help keep them out of alcoholism or drug addiction. There are people like this in every gym in America.
What the Government doesn't deem a "essential" business for some is an ABSOLUTELY essential for others, not just for the economy's sake but for people's health and peace of mind. What you'll likely see during this pandemic and this is just from not being able to workout (define that any way you want),
Depression, anxiety, IMMUNE SYSTEMS getting weaker, mental breakdowns, going back to old habits (ie; drinking, drugs, etc), increase in domestic violence, possible suicide (a combination of the current situation, economy, family problems, etc) there has to be a relief mechanism, the gym Is usually it.
Bottom line is if the business follows the mandated guidelines such as social distancing, no more than 10 people at a gathering, disinfect equipment before and after use and regulating, on a time block of how many people can come in per hour or every two hours or whatever the owners and management decide, keeping the facility clean on an hourly basis then there shouldn't be a problem.
Of course, a grocery store is a necessity, but most stores are not regulating how many people come in or out, the only story I've seen do this on the daily is Trader Joes. It's hard to make the argument that a grocery store (as an example) is cleaner than a well ran gym.
This BS that makes little sense has gone on long enough.