When will the gyms and health clubs re-open in the UK after lockdown?

That’s a question that many of us are asking at the moment.

 “We are going to be driven by science, the data and public health” we hear.

 What does that really mean for gym members, health-conscious people and personal trainers? 

Fitness facilities could be reopened in July at the very earliest. As we approach the new phase of ‘lockdown’ where non-essential shops and retail areas are reopened, reopening fitness facilities should be next, correct?

 But suppose that cannot happen, or becomes highly impractical (queuing / pre-booking / trying to social distance in a closed environment etc.) and even carries too much risk of potential infection, what then? Should I be worried?

Well, frankly, you probably should.

Of course, people like want to carry on providing health and wellbeing to our clients.

I want to carry on teaching Pilates and expand my Home Studio lifestyle concept (a boutique training service) locally in Woking.

However, as a dedicated Personal Trainer with strong principles, I definitely don’t want to be responsible or party to an unsafe solution or where expectations cannot be fully met.

So, my thoughts are:

•  *Why rush to get back to the gym? Why not stick with your current routine or create a plan for the next phase of your training?

• *Why not enjoy our wonderful summer and train outdoors - following government guidelines - with friend or your trainer?

• *Why not invest in your own home equipment - resistance bands, weights?  The shortage of equipment at the beginning of lockdown appears to have eased recently, and items such as this take up very little space in your home.

• *Why not look for different forms of staying active - cycling, walking, dancing instead of stressing about keeping safe distance in crowded gym and wondering if the equipment that you are using has been properly cleaned? 

Nobody wants to contract Coronavirus – whilst the survival rates are good, it can be a horrible illness for many of us.  But we also need to stay physically and mentally fit and strong.