Gyms in Connecticut have reopened Wednesday with new safety regulations to protect the public against COVID-19.

Crunch Fitness in Stratford is requiring all gymgoers to wear a mask. Every other cardio machine is also off-limits to spread people out, and there are markings on the floor to help with social distancing.

"We are operating at 50% capacity and luckily we are in a larger facility, so our maximum capacity right now is 150 people safely," says Justin Flores, the general manager.

Extra sanitation stations have been added throughout the gym, and members are asked to wipe down equipment before and after using it. Staff will also up their cleaning per state guidelines.

"We’re doing everything that we can to ensure every single surface is as safe as possible to utilize for everyone," Flores says.

Showers are off limits and lockers are also limited at the gym. As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, 98 members had checked in so far.

Flores estimates the gym would've normally seen about 300 members by that time pre-pandemic. Crunch Fitness will continue virtual training for people who aren't ready to return.

For people who came back, they said it was time.

"Everything seems up to speed. I see protective covers everywhere... I see wearing masks; you have to keep a towel on your workout equipment," says Nikko Deleon, of Stratford.

Crunch Fitness is operating on modified hours for now; opening later and closing earlier than it did pre-pandemic. Group fitness classes are on hold until July.

The gym is also asking people to keep their workouts to 60 minutes or less to prevent any kind of backup.