New Jersey’s Atilis Gym Says It Will Give Free Membership To People Who Refuse COVID-19 Vaccine

Atilis Gym, in Bellmawr, New Jersey, is once again making headlines over a controversial COVID-19 stance.

Ian Smith, the owner of Atilis Gym, tweeted on Tuesday saying that anyone who did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine could get a free membership to his gym.

“In light of @krispykreme giving free donuts for receiving the CVD shot, here at @TheAtiliGym we are giving out free memberships to all who don’t get vaccinated. We believe in health – the real way – exercise, good diet, plenty of Vitamin D, Zinc, and an environment to destress,” he tweeted.

Atilis Gym made headlines in May 2020 when it refused to comply with New Jersey COVID-19 guidelines and shutdowns. This sparked a legal battle over whether Gov. Phil Murphy‘s order to shut down nonessential businesses was constitutional. Atilis gym has also faced over $130,000 in fines for defying guidelines.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 85 million people in the United States have received at least one dose of a vaccine and more than 46 million are fully vaccinated. Health experts are urging people to get vaccinated as soon as they can along with continuing to comply with social distancing and mask regulations.

Despite vaccination progress, there has been a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the tri-state area. New Jersey has the third-highest positivity rate nationwide, and hospitalizations have topped 2,000 for the first time in a month.

Gov. Murphy said he was holding off on lifting COVID-19 restrictions until it was clear the numbers were headed in the right direction.