Indoor Gyms And Sport Facilities To Reopen From 25th July

Indoor sport and leisure facilities, including gyms, will reopen from 25th July after the government announced further measures intended to ease the coronavirus lockdown.

According to new guidelines, outdoor swimming pools can reopen from 11th July, while some outdoor team sports such as recreational cricket will also be allowed to return from the same date.

Indoor gyms, swimming pools and other sport facilities and leisure centres can return to business from 25th July subject to social distancing measures which will see increased space between machines and workout areas, increased cleaning equipment, and a limited capacity inside. 

Gyms will also ensure smaller class sizes to comply with distancing measures.

“Now, more than ever, there is recognition of the vital role sport and activity plays in supporting people’s physical and mental health, so there is a massive opportunity as we emerge from lockdown to truly embrace the idea that exercise is essential to our wellbeing and to recognise the opportunities all around us to be more active,” said Tim Hollingswoth, CEO, Sport England.

“It is critical now, too, that the people who’ve been impacted the most by the lockdown are supported to get active as these restrictions are eased, and we encourage everyone involved in delivering sport and physical activity of any kind to look at the guidance we have developed to support them to do this. 

“We are also acutely aware that many providers, specifically public leisure centres which are such valuable assets in their communities, are facing significant financial challenges and many are at risk of being unable to reopen fully or may remain closed.

“We will continue to work closely with government and key partners to help these operators to get as much support as possible.”

Both Sport England and ukactive have produced resources to provide guidance for facilities looking to reopen, as well as for employees and volunteers getting back to work.

Huw Edwards, CEO, ukactive, said: “The Government has rightly recognised how hard the fitness and leisure sector has been hit by this crisis. 

“The sector deserves huge credit for taking an innovative and proactive approach throughout lockdown, from helping to keep people active with online workouts to supporting our NHS with resources and donations. 

“It is important to stress that we are not yet out of the woods, as we seek to secure urgent financial and regulatory support from the Government to ensure that reopening is financially viable, both for private and public operators.”