Only a month on from finally being able to re-open their doors, local gyms have been stung by new regulations mandating a full-time hygiene marshal to combat COVID-19.
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The ruling came into effect on Saturday as NSW continues efforts to stave off a repeat of what is happening in Victoria.
Carly Manning of the Bermagui Fitness Factory said she should be bonding with her 10-week-old on maternity leave, but has been forced back into the gym to meet the requirements of having someone on deck full time.
"It's not ideal when it's meant to be a time for me to enjoy my maternity leave," Ms Manning said.
"We've only got one staff member plus myself and he's had to pick up a lot more hours than he would have originally wanted."
The gym normally operates 24 hours, but Ms Manning said it had been limited to 8-10 hours a day. It has resulted in the potential for increased congestion during opening hours, while some have cancelled memberships outright as it no longer suits their schedule.
"It's another blow and it's really disheartening," she said.
Ms Manning said her husband already works 50 hours a week, but was also having to put in some time at the gym, while the couple have also hired some casuals in an effort to keep the doors open.
She said the renewed regulations meant they were likely running at a loss, while it had also drastically impacted on their home life.
"It seems like brick wall after brick wall," Ms Manning said.
"I'm missing out on giving my 10 week old a feed before bed, but I take solace in bringing something good for the community and helping people fight their demons by being open."
Ms Manning said gyms and fitness had been an outlet for many following the bushfires and maintains they have a critical role to play for the community now through COVID.
"Health and fitness are important, I know for myself - it's how I get through tough times," she said.
"The load people have taken on with bushfires and now COVID, they need an outlet."
Ms Manning said it was a shame gyms were having to tighten security at the expense of a few doing the wrong thing, or metropolitan hot spots. She said many gym owners and trainers around the Valley were feeling the same tight grip on their business.
