Some gym owners are behind a lawsuit that is trying to strip Gov. Andrew Cuomo of his emergency executive powers.

The New York Fitness Coalition announced it's filing a class-action lawsuit against the governor, claiming his COVID-19 restrictions amount to "tyranny" and have destroyed many local businesses.

Coalition president Charles Cassara says continuing to force gyms and eateries to operate at minimal capacity is harming the economic and mental well-being of New Yorkers.

"Thousands of gym owners have already shuttered closed forever, add to that thousands of restaurants that have been around for decades, closed," says Cassara. "Sports programs closed. Our children can't go to school they're not going to have prom, and graduation. At what point in time do our lives matter."

"This man is controlling every aspect of our life and his emergency powers need to go," says attorney James Mermigis.

Organizers say restaurant owners, sports leagues and others can join their lawsuit.

Similar lawsuits have been filed against the governors of Pennsylvania and Michigan.