Gym reopenings: Some Angelenos are happy to be back, some say never again

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A Planet Fitness in Mid City, Los Angeles. Since LA’s gyms reopened a week ago, some Angelenos have flocked to their local sports centers. Others have run in the other direction — cancelling memberships. Photo by Amy Ta.

LA gyms reopened at 10% capacity after the county moved into the red tier of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s reopening plan. LA resident Cynthia Godslaw was happy and shocked to get the “welcome back” email from her local LA Fitness, which she returned to right away.

Cesar Fonseca returned only after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. “I'm just happy to … do things that resemble some kind of normalcy in California. … To be able to [go back], it kind of symbolizes a little bit of hope.”

Simone Cromer cancelled her gym membership immediately after driving by an LA Fitness parking lot filled with cars.