BEHIND THE NEWS | Michael Mcloughlin's positive outlook inspires

Many businesses have taken a beating in the Covid-19 pandemic, and none more so than those in the health and fitness sector.  

It is common knowledge that most gyms stopped being profitable in March, and the fallout has been huge.

Instructors and those who support them have lost their livelihoods in droves.

Some are bravely trying to struggle on. Others have decided to pack it in, believing the government’s lockdown restrictions ignore what is required when it comes to a quality workout.

One gym owner who has shut his shop doors is Michael Mcloughlin, of the popular Beacon Bay gym-in-a-castle, Active Attitude Health & Fitness Centre.

What struck me while interviewing him this week is that despite the decision to close, his attitude remained positive.

This was in stark contrast with another man whose gym will close its doors.

He was incensed that the Dispatch had called him.

Sometimes as a journalist you are required to make phone calls you just don’t want to make.

People who have lost loved ones or livelihoods are hurting. We know that, and the last thing we want is to add to their stress.

But business closures cannot be ignored, especially on the scale that is happening right now. And restaurants and gyms, particularly those that have proved popular over the years, become part of the community.

Contrary to how it may feel at the time, people do empathise.

There is a perception that journalists are vultures around a carcass, and while that image may work for the paparazzi, who write about celebrities, for reporters on the daily news beat this is simply not true.

We are also people, and before we embark on a community assignment we weigh up whether the topic will be in the public interest and what impact it might have on those willing to speak to us.

We also count ourselves extremely fortunate when people do open up to us.

Mcloughlin is one of those to whom we are extremely grateful.

He had every reason to be as frustrated as the other gym owner, yet he greeted me with kindness and consummate professionalism.

There are people who are handsomely paid to communicate with the media, yet are not even half as engaging and forthcoming as Mcloughlin.  

He confided that his decision to shut down his gym did not speak to profits alone. Training with a mask on was an “unrealistic” requirement on the part of government, and he felt genuine concern for those needing intense training.

He realised that if anyone suffered breathing problems in his gym, he would blame himself.

“We’ve been without an income since March and there are overheads to pay,” he said.

“There was no relief from the government for our business so the expenses were running away from us. Even though the industry is being allowed back to work now, there are strict protocols for health clubs. Some of them are a bit impractical.”

After the article appeared in the Daily Dispatch this week, Mcloughlin sent me an SMS thanking me for “good work”.

He will now venture into personal training and nutrition, which won’t require him to have a venue.

But I can imagine that in the years to come he will feel sad each time he passes the castle, remembering the many friendships he struck with customers and sports stars like Zolani Tete.

I really hope things go his way. It would be great to chat to him again one day. — DispatchLIVE