AUSTIN, Texas — After Gov. Greg Abbott announced earlier this week that, effective March 10, wearing face masks in public will no longer be required by law, many businesses have started to announce that they will be continuing to require patrons to wear their face coverings.
KVUE has compiled a list of local businesses still requiring masks. However, many viewers have started to call in asking about their local gyms.
Most gyms and fitness studios KVUE contacted have stated mask requirements will still be in place. However, there are a few who said masks will be optional for their customers.
"Gold’s Gym has been proactively working to protect the health and safety of our Members and Team Members and adhering to state and local mandates for our company-owned gyms in Texas," a spokesperson said, adding, "Beginning Wednesday, March 10, members will no longer be required to wear masks, though we strongly encourage everyone to continue to follow all recommendations from public health officials – including wearing a mask and physical distancing – to protect yourself and others while in the gym. All Gold’s Gym team members will continue to be required to wear masks while at work for your protection and theirs."
Meanwhile, 24 Hour Fitness is offering a hybrid of mask-free and mask-required areas.
"While masks will no longer be required throughout Texas starting on Wednesday, 24 Hour Fitness recognizes that everyone has a different level of comfort and risk, so in addition to offering mask free areas, ALL 24 Hour Fitness Texas clubs will also open mask required 'club within club' zones equipped with cardio and strength equipment, so that everyone will have a space to work out that helps them feel at ease," the chain said in a press release.
Here's a rundown on some of the gyms, studios and fitness centers we've heard from:
Masks optional
Masks required
- 1 World Karate
- Austin Bouldering Project
- Austin Kung Fu
- Austin Simply Fit
- Black Swan Yoga
- Brass Ovaries
- Breath and Body Yoga
- Castle Hill Fitness
- Crux Climbing Center
- Dancers Shape
- Fitness Delivered
- Go Dance Studio
- Hyde Park Gym
- Orangetheory
- Pilates Island Studio
- Planet Fitness
- ToddPilates & Barre
- Wellsport Austin
- YMCA of Austin
- YTX Austin
Announcements forthcoming
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