Changes are made to make gyms safe
This is what a trip to the gym looks like during a worldwide pandemic.
Gyms in Ayrshire were given the green light to reopen on Monday, August 31.
Exercise facilities were among the first businesses to close as the coronavirus pandemic swept through the region in March.
Gym buffs, by now sick to death of virtual classes, were crying out for information on their return since then – and their prayers have finally been answered.
Before the grand reopening the Post were given an exclusive look at what a trip to the gym, while controlling a deadly virus, looks like.
The Bannatyne Health Club in Ayr insist they are ready to welcome back members and owner and Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we can reopen.
“A lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes at all our health clubs to ensure that our large and spacious facilities, which are conducive to social distancing, are safe for members and staff.
“Although some wet area facilities will remain closed for the time being, we hope to be able to reopen these in the near future.
“T h e S c o t t i s h Government had initially earmarked September 14 as the first date of reopening but Nicola Sturgeon appeared satisfied with the progress we’re making in tackling the virus to push the date forward.”
Critics argue it’s still too soon with many questioning how it’s possible to control a virus in a sweaty gym.
But early research from England - where gyms reopened on July 25 - suggests gyms are “almost risk- free” environments for Covid- 19, with industry research body ukactive estimating just 0.020 positive cases per 10,000 gym visits in the first three weeks of reopening.
Mr Bannatyne insists g y m b o s s e s h a v e undertaken an extensive assessment of the Covid- 19 infection risk to members and staff and made changes to its working practices to reduce the risk “as far as practicable”. New features of a trip to the gym include temperature checks on arrival, compulsory wearing of face masks ( except when exercising), hand sanitising stations, enhanced cleaning procedures, cashless transactions, reduced class sizes, equipment spaced to achieve social distancing, water fountains out of use, all dining and cafe tables appropriately spaced, some lockers and showers out of action while hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas remain out of operation.
Many still fear that’s not enough and ukactive say some gyms have already lost more than half their members.
But Mr Bannatyne said: “Most of our members in Ayr have been loyal throughout the pandemic and I am delighted to be welcoming them back.
“I’d also like to personally thank the staff who have remained positive through the very difficult last few months. I know they will be as pleased as I am to open the doors again.”
School days Lacey Clark is enjoying life with her new classmates at Kirkmichael Primary
Back to class Kayleigh Clark is back at her desk for Primary 2 at Cairn in Maybole
Proud
Arjun Singh on his first day at Ayr Grammar