Beginning May 1, exercise studios and gyms can operate at 50% capacity and under guidelines laid out in the Tennessee Pledges, Lee's plan for reopening the state's economy.
The announcement does not apply to Davidson County, which will issue its own reopening guidelines.
"We believe it's important for the mental and physical health of Tennesseans to have access to fitness environments," Lee said in a social media post.
Under the guidelines in the Tennessee Pledge, gyms must screen all employees for symptoms of COVID-19 and regularly clean high-touch surfaces. The use of masks for employees is encouraged and community facilities such as locker rooms and showers are to remain closed until further notice.
Social distancing will continue to be encouraged and customer limits should be determined using the establishment's capacity as determined by local fire codes.
Read the full guidelines for exercise facilities here.