Michigan Gyms and Fitness Centers Remain Closed Following Appeals Court Ruling

A court decision late Wednesday (June 24) stopped the reopening of gyms and fitness centers across the majority of Michigan.

Gyms were set to reopen today (June 25), following a ruling from U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney last week. The case then went to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth District.

U.S. Court of Appeals judges ruled to reverse Maloney's order and uphold Whitmer's restrictions to keep gyms and fitness centers closed, because of the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading.

“Today three Republican-appointed judges got it right: in the fight against a global pandemic, courts must give governors broad latitude to make quick, difficult decisions,” Whitmer said in a statement, referring to the fact the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit includes one judge nominated by President Donald Trump and two judges nominated by President George W. Bush.

"The governor will continue to take the actions necessary to save lives," she added.

Gyms in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and part of the northern Lower Peninsula were allowed to open on June 10. They are closed for the rest of the state.