Hurricane Florence Affects Health Clubs and YMCAs in the Carolinas

Some health clubs and YMCAs in North Carolina and South Carolina had to close due to Hurricane Florence and resultant flooding last week while Planet Fitness and other fitness facilities are opening their doors to hurricane victims in their communities this week. 

O2 Fitness had to temporarily close some of its clubs in Wilmington, North Carolina, and South Carolina due to the hurricane, according to its website. Many of those sites are now re-opened.

The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina, closed all of its branches through Sept. 18. It has re-opened its Midtown and Express Y branches. The Y also is allowing people who are still without power to use their showers and charge their phones.

In the meantime, Planet Fitness, Hampton, New Hampshire, is opening 39 of its health clubs across North Carolina and South Carolina to those affected by Hurricane Florence, according to a Sept. 18 report by Fox 46.

Through Sept. 28, anyone impacted by the hurricane can use their nearest club's Wi-Fi, showers, exercise equipment, massage chairs and electrical outlets at no charge.

Hurricane Florence made landfall on Sept. 14 near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, according to the National Hurricane Center. Approximately 40 people have died as a result of the storm, which has caused at least $17 billion in damage.

At its strongest, Florence was named a category 4 major hurricane. It has since weakened to tropical storm status.

(Editors' Note: If your club or YMCA was affected by the hurricane, email Anthony Dominic at [email protected] to share how you were affected.)