A healthy lifestyle is vital in Covid battle

THE announcement that indoor gyms will be allowed to reopen from

July 25 is very welcome news for gym operators, landlords, full-time and freelance gym employees and customers alike.

The Government was facing an unenviable dilemma – whilst the prospect of a second wave of infections is very real, the damage which is being done by the continued closure is also an unavoidable truth, with potential for long-term damage to tens of thousands of businesses and the prospect of mass unemployment a very real threat.

On the one hand, the scientific community has been arguing that a prolonged lockdown is the only way of suppressing the virus, whilst the counterargument that allowing increased levels of social interaction and travel will improve the mental wellbeing and financial health of the population cannot be ignored.

The benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle to help against coronavirus are well documented, as are the links between mental health and fitness so no doubt, despite some initial caution, we anticipate the sector to see a strong revival, albeit with gyms and fitness clubs ensuring social distancing measures are adhered to.

Social distancing is workable in these types of environments; capacities at certain clubs or classes being limited to begin with. However, with the majority of people still continuing to work from home, this may lead to gyms witnessing more offpeak attendance so this will need to be carefully managed by operators.

Some customers will be naturally cautious or, for the short-term, they may look to continue with their home workouts so this will help with initial social distancing measures at gyms and fitness clubs.

Ross Kirton, Head of UK Leisure

Agency at Colliers International