Group exercising back at our leisure centres

LEISURE centres in Oadby and Wigston are to relaunch group exercise classes, hoping they will be “a huge boost” for the mental health of the community.

Parklands leisure centre and Wigston Pool and Fitness Centre, run by Everyone Active in partnership with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, reopened on Monday, April 12 after three months of closure due to the third lockdown.

Now group exercise has been given the green light to resume from Monday, in the penultimate stage of the government’s four-step roadmap.

Prior to the reopening of gyms, customers were able to use Everyone Active’s online workouts and livestreamed classes across its social media pages.

As restrictions have eased, many have been eager to return to group exercise in centres and Everyone Active’s strict operational measures mean they can do so in a Covid-safe environment.

Research commissioned by ukactive* showed that 58 per cent of people had managed their mental health and wellbeing during lockdown through being active, while 63 per cent said that taking part in sport and physical activity with others could help with feelings of loneliness.

James Naylor, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “We are delighted to be able to safely resume group exercise classes in our centres.

“Aside from the obvious physical benefits, this will be a huge boost for mental health and wellbeing in the area and comes at an apt time following the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.

“Many of our customers thrive on the social element of exercise, not just for motivational reasons but also because they enjoy seeing friendly faces in a familiar environment.”

Customers wishing to attend group classes need to book in advance.