Hull gyms have been given the green light to reopen
OWNER SPEAKS OF RELIEF AT ESCAPING LOCKDOWN
GYMS across Hull and East Riding are preparing to open again after being given the green light by the Government.
Popular gyms including Fit24, Total Fitness, David Lloyd and Planet Gym in Hull, as well as Anytime Fitness in Beverley are all set to open on December 2, when lockdown is lifted.
Even though pubs and restaurants have been ordered to remain closed, gyms have been given approval to open with strict social distancing in place.
As he prepares to open, Jack Burton, owner of Fit24, told of the hardship his business had faced during the coronavirus pandemic.
Jack said he was eager to open the gym in Hessle Road, west Hull, after losing out on around six months trade.
“We have been closed a month and it has been tough, but nothing compared to the last lockdown,” he said.
“During this lockdown we have been focusing on getting the new city centre gym ready for opening.
“It has been a hard time as a business owner and a gym goer as we built up a lot of steam after we were allowed to open again in July, we had no cases in the gym and we were strictly following guidance and doing well and then on a sixpence, we had to close again.
“You go around the city and you see that there are no proper restrictions and then you’ve got places like The Range open, which I’d say is not essential, but I would argue that gyms should have been allowed to stay open as they are essential.
“Gyms are a place that boost physical and mental health and are one of the lowest places where you can catch the virus.
“We have rolled with the punches and can’t wait to open again and get back to it, but there is just no way to replace what you get at a gym facility from the use of equipment, the socialising, the routine and the motivation from others. “If you are not a gym goer then it can be hard to understand why people are so keen to get back, but fingers crossed we can now stay open.” In Beverley, Anytime Fitness announced their plans to reopen on social media, saying: “We’ve got some good news to share with you! We’ll be back and open from December 2, once restrictions have been lifted!
“We’ll be adhering to government guidelines, and making sure that you have a safe environment to train in.
“Who is super excited to get back to the gym?!”
Speaking to the House of Commons on Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that gyms can open from December 2, regardless of the tier system. Hull is expected to be placed in Tier 3 due to its high infection rate.
Mr Johnson said: “National restrictions will end and will not be renewed.
“From next Wednesday people will be able to leave their homes for any purpose and meet others outdoors subject to the rule of six. Shops, gyms and wider leisure centre can reopen.”
We have rolled with the punches and can’t wait to open again and get back to it
Jack Burton