LITTLE FALLS, N.Y. ---Fitness Farmacy owner Krista Kozma said she has been getting calls on when they plan on reopening. This all happening following the story NEWSChannel 2 aired on Monday regarding Herkimer cop and gym owner Jason Crippen. Crippen plans on opening his gym despite state restrictions on Monday.
"Within seconds, honestly it's the reason that I found out. We had members calling me saying," Hey are you going to be opening? I was confused because I hadn't heard anything," said Kozma.
The story has since been put in the national spotlight. The New York Post picked up the story earlier this week. Their reporter spoke to a representative from Governor Cuomo's office stating Jason's decision to open as "reckless."
Gym owner Krista Kozma understands Crippen's frustration but doesn't understand his announcement.
"I could understand his frustration, but I was confused by his behavior as for him forcefully trying to open," said Kozma.
NEWSChannel 2 spoke to Crippen earlier this week. He told us that he will be opening under strict social distancing guidelines. All of his employees will get their temperatures checked and will be wearing masks. He also said his gym equipment will be spaced out to promote social distancing. Jason said he would extensively clean his machines on a daily basis, all guidelines set out by the health department.
"One thing we are going to do is have posted guidelines throughout the site with the department of health guidelines that you have all seen. Which includes washing your hands, keeping the six-foot distance. If you don't feel good stay home," said Crippen.
The Department of Health would also require everyone entering Jason's gym to wear a face mask. Krista said that wearing a mask while working out could be a challenge.
"If I go anywhere with a mask, within three minutes I can't stand it. So to do high-intensity workouts... I have always said that even when we have to look at the stipulations. Because if it isn't going to get our main goal, then there's no point in opening on that day just to open," said Kozma.
NEWSChannel 2 did reach out to Jason Crippen for TODAY'S story, but he declined to comment on camera, citing his dissatisfaction with our story that aired on Monday.
