Gyms working out plans to open after lockdown
GYMS across Wales were forced to shut their doors at the start of lockdown and have remained closed ever since.
Many sectors and businesses have now been given the green light to reopen, at least partially, but gym owners remain in the dark about when they will once again be able to welcome people back through their doors.
First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed the end of the “stay local” legal requirement from Monday and earlier last week a new timetable was announced for the reopening of pubs and restaurants outdoors in Wales.
But while the last full lockdown review in Wales made some adjustments in terms of outdoor sports, the situation for gyms remains a waiting game.
On Friday Mr Drakeford warned that gyms around the world were “emerging as a source of coronavirus infection”.
He said: “I’m afraid gyms are not in the current list of places that can reopen and are not likely to be for a while yet.”
PureGym reacted angrily to the First Minister’s comments, issuing a statement saying they would “challenge and dispute this statement most vigorously”.
Across the Irish Sea, gyms in Northern Ireland have been given the green light to reopen from July 10. But that’s not the case here in Wales, and some medical experts say gyms could encourage the virus to spread.
They say this is typically because gyms are humid, with confined spaces, and members share equipment. Heavy breathing during exercise could also transmit infections, according to some experts.
Despite this, gyms are making plans for how things will look when they can get people back in.
When they do reopen they’ll look pretty different, with social distancing measures and strict rules for members to follow.
But will the rise in home workouts mean that people may not want to come back?
Simon Gwynne is the regional manager for Halo in Bridgend. He admits the past few months have been challenging.
There will now be clear guidelines that members will have to follow, including a one-way system, and people will have to book online before arriving.
Members will also have to wash their hands when they enter the leisure centre and there will be clear signage inside on which direction to go in.
Gym kit will be spaced differently to allow social distancing and there will also be markings on the floor. There will also be a break in between sessions so there’s time to clean.
During the pandemic Halo has had its own digital platform with online classes. However, Simon understands there’s a risk of people using apps and not coming into the centre, but he says it’s something the company will just have to accept.
“We have got no income coming into the business and we have still got costs,” he points out. “When we reopen we are likely to have fewer people coming into the facility.”
He said he anticipated “quite a lot of impact financially” which could last as long as 18 months.
“It’s a bit of a worry but we have adapted as a company with our own digital platform,” he added.
Simon is hoping the leisure centre will be able to open in August.
“Last week was a shock that they are opening pubs and not gyms, but we are hopeful that over the next week we will have a positive message. We need government support and when we reopen again we hope that we have got that loyal customer base to support us,” he said.
PureGym revealed last week that members will not be able to train together and “spotting” will be prohibited to ensure social distancing.
New self-cleaning stations will be provided so members can wipe down kit before and after use.
Numbers allowed in will be limited, and members will be able to check the number of people in the gym on an app to avoid busy times and queues.
A Welsh Government spokesman said some facilities carry a greater risk of transmission where surfaces or equipment are shared between people.
He said they are learning more about the virus every day and know the risk of transmission is lower outdoors than indoors.
However, he emphasised that a lower risk doesn’t mean no risk, and even in these circumstances it is vital to maintain social distancing.
He added: “Wales remains in the midst of a public health emergency. Our focus is on helping to save lives and people’s health and wellbeing is at the forefront of our minds.
“The latest scientific and medical advice continues to guide our gradual approach to easing restrictions. We have provided guidance for the safe return of sporting facilities when the conditions are right for them to reopen.”