Defiant studios confused by new fitness class rules
OWNERS SAY IT’S IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE TO CARRY ON EXERCISING
DEFIANT fitness studio owners in Nottinghamshire say it is important that their classes keep going in Tier Three.
In the new rules for the county, fitness and dance studios were permitted to stay open as in other Tier Three areas – but it was strongly advised that fitness and dance classes should not go ahead.
The restrictions stated: “Leisure and sporting facilities (such as leisure centres, gyms, fitness and dance studios, swimming pools and sports courts) can remain open.
“It is strongly advised that indoor group exercise classes (including dance and fitness classes) should not take place.”
The news was met with confusion by those in the industry.
The Reformer Studio in Lace Market had to close in the initial lockdown, but since then has been able to reopen and provide Pilates classes using the studio’s specialist reformer carriages.
On the new Tier Three restrictions, assistant studio manager Charlotte Tuckwood said: “We do feel we should stay open partly for the health benefits and as business owners, but also for the mental health and wellbeing of others.
“But the rules do feel a bit blasé and we are trying to interpret them as much as possible.
“The comments from our members is that this has been quite a lonely time for them and they have hung on to the hope of being able to come to classes.
“It’s a place for people to let go of stresses and we feel quite strongly about working to boost the immune system particularly during the pandemic.
“I know these measures have come in to protect our health, and we weren’t surprised because we have constantly had to adapt.”
Charlotte said classes would continue at the studio but with further changes to ensure it is still a safe space.
“For Tier Three with masks now needed for entering and leaving, or going to the toilet, we have our own Covid rule book and we are installing Perspex between the carriages,” she added.
“We are always asking for feedback through our social media, and have just released a video on our Instagram showing the whole process now Tier Three has started.” Sarah Harrison, Hotpod Yoga franchisee for Not t i n g hamshire, offers classes in West Bridgford, Newark and the city centre. She said: “Initially, having seen studios were still open in other Tier Three areas, we were a bit baffled by the advice against holding classes. “But from what I gather across the county, the majority of people are remaining open for classes and that’s both private and public-run studio spaces.
“I think personally, it’s really important that they do stay open but it is confusing.
“We have not been outlawed like other businesses – who I really feel for.
“But we are seeing the impact of Tier Three, with some people being anxious. But transmission rates are low and we will continue to take advice from our operating body UK Active.”
She added: “We’ve gone from around 21 students per class to 10, the time-length of the class is now 45 minutes instead of an hour, and there are 45 minutes between classes from around 30 to allow for cleaning and ventilation.
“We take everyone’s temperatures as they come in, the changing rooms and showers are closed, classes are socially distanced.”
Industry association UK Active said it had been working with the Government, local leaders and lead agencies in Nottingham to clarify the implications for the sector as it moves into Tier Three.
The rules do feel a bit blasé and we are trying to interpret them as much as possible
Charlotte Tuckwood