An independent gym in New York City has "returned to normal" and opened its doors at 100 per cent capacity, after successfully challenging a state order limiting gyms to operating at just 25 per cent capacity.

The 25 per cent limit on capacity was introduced by New York governor Andrew Cuomo in December 2019, as part of New York State's plan to combat the coronavirus over the winter months.

New York State Supreme Court Judge Paul Wojtaszek, however, ruled in favour of Athletes Unleashed – a gym based in Orchard Park – allowing it to reopen at full capacity, as long as it continues to follow social distancing rules to prevent the spread of the virus.

Paul Cambria, a lawyer representing Athletes Unleashed, says Wojtaszek quoted data that showed gyms were safe spaces, when he delivered his ruling.

Speaking to local media, Cambria said: “The judge said there was a lack of data that showed gyms are a problem and that places that have higher rates of transmission than gyms are 100 per cent open."

The gym is owned by Robby Dinero, whose legal challenge could set a precedent for other gyms to follow suit and open at 100 per cent capacity.