Keep gyms open

To Jason Kenny and who it may concern,

Through these trying times, I understand that you and your cabinet are faced with making hard and unpopular choices. With Alberta’s best interests at heart, you do what you feel is necessary in the best interest of the people. I am articulating my thoughts and reasoning in this email, to try and sway your decision on closing gyms and fitness centers.
Physical activities at fitness centers provide mental and physical health benefits for a society that is already struggling with every day life, let alone in a pandemic. A high percentage of gym patrons are among the healthiest people. Most eat healthy and take vitamins to provide a strong base to work out. Most training equipment is 6 ft apart and I don’t know of anyone who works out that close to one another. Exercise enthusiasts rarely will work out when sick or feeling unwell.
The gym has traditionally been hygienic and sanitizing years before the pandemic. Gyms across Alberta provide sanitation equipment for all clients, as well they have great staff to go the extra mile and provide a clean safe environment. The gyms are not where covid and flu are spread, and thus should stay open.
You speak of covid crippling our health system. What about obesity, diabetes high blood pressure and even suicide? Do they not affect our health system for years to come ? These are all things the gym and physical activity help prevent.

Liquor stores and pot shops stay open for “mental health”, so should the gyms. If gyms created the tax revenue that liquor stores do, would they be shut down? I am starting a petition to have gyms re-opened. If we are truly in a democratic society, how many signatures will it take to re open fitness facilities?
Thank you for your time and hopefully consideration while reading this letter.
Raymond Gagnon