EK gyms reopen
Good news for fitness fans Premises in top shape to welcome customers for first time since March
Two East Kilbride gym owners have told of their delight after finally being allowed to open their doors for the first time.
Ally McKinnon and Simon Thomson f rom Base Fi t ness & CrossFit were forced to close their gym when l ockdown was announced back i n March.
And the call from the government was a double dampener for the local boys who were just days away from opening their brand new facility in the Kelvin.
After a long five-and-a-half months of lockdown, gyms across Scotland were finally allowed to reopen on Monday, and both Alastair and Simon spoke to the News ahead of their opening.
Alastair said: “Just as we moved in to our new facility we went in to lockdown so nobody was actually able to use the gym, which was devastating.
“Nobody has seen it or been in it yet. But we are super excited to open it up.
“We’ re just happy to get people back in the gym. It’s been a long time coming.”
And the news that Scottish gyms could reopen a fort night ahead of schedule came as a nice surprise to the boys, Simon added: “We did not expect to be allowed to open a fortnight early.
“With everything that had been happening in Aberdeen and cases rising again once the schools had gone back, we fully expected for the date to be pushed back again another few weeks.
“But we are delighted to open up the new facility obviously and see all our members again.
“It’ s just great to see that Ni cola Sturgeon and the panel of advisors have recognised the importance exercise and gyms have on people’s mental and physical health.”
The new high-spec facility has been fully kit ted out to ensure staff and member safety. And the boys have also invested in a ventilation system to keep everyone safe.
Before the covid pandemic, the gym has used a booking system for the last three years which also functions as a track and trace utensil.
Ally added :“We’ ve stuck to all guidelines and installed hand sanitiser stations, placed stickers around to encourage members to keep a 2m social distance, and we’ve also installed a ventilation system.
“It was a massive expense but we were fortunate enough to be supported by our members during lockdown so this is just one of our ways of giving back to our members.
“Part of the guidelines is ensuring the best ventilation, so we’ve gone the extra mile to ensure we are doing everything we can.
“We totally understand some people may be apprehensive about coming back to the gym but we just want them to know we have done absolutely everything we have been told.”
Base Fitness& Cross Fit is stocked with the finest fitness equipment and well-educated coaches who are hardworking, experienced and really care about your development.
The gym is open seven days a week and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
For more information and membership availability, check out: www.facebook.com/ Base fitness and Cross Fit or email: info@ crossfiteastkilbride.com