Leeds gyms: Here's everything you need to know as indoor fitness facilities reopen in lockdown easing

The decision to allow indoor fitness to reopen at the earliest possible opportunity underlines the role they play in the physical and mental health of millions, industry bosses have said.

There are some 7,200 fitness and leisure facilities across the UK, serving 17 million users and employing 189,000 people.

Huw Edwards, chief executive of trade organisation ukactive, said: “Gyms pools and leisure centres have proven safety measures in place and they are looking forward to welcoming back members and visitors from Monday, bringing a long-awaited boost to communities across the country.

“The decision to reopen fitness and leisure facilities in the earliest stage possible for indoor venues underlines the role they play in our nation’s social fabric and in supporting the NHS, providing an essential service for the mental and physical health of millions.”

What fitness facilities can open tomorrow in Leeds?

As of Monday (April 12) people can use indoor fitness facilities, such as gyms, alone or within a household group.

You must not exercise with people who are not in your household.

Indoor pools will also reopen.

Does this include fitness classes?

No. Group exercise classes and indoor adult group sports are not permitted until step three of the road map, which can start no earlier than May 17.

My gym has a spa. Can I use it?

While indoor pools will reopen tomorrow, steam rooms and saunas cannot reopen until May 17 at the earliest.

What is the risk of catching coronavirus in gyms?

Ukactive said data from 2,000 operators suggested the prevalence of the virus among visitors who had used facilities remained “extremely low”, at an overall rate of 1.7 cases per 100,000 visits, measured from 75 million visits across the UK between July 25 to December 27.

A survey by Leisure-net of 33,000 gym members found 69 per cent were “extremely confident” in the safety measures after returning to their centre or club after the first lockdown and 90 per cent said they would use their club more or the same when it reopens, up from 88 per cent last June.

More than three quarters (76 per cent) said they intended to return to their club immediately.

What have industry leaders said ahead of reopening?

Rebecca Passmore, UK managing director of PureGym, which has a number of sites in Leeds, said: “After 14 weeks of closure we are absolutely thrilled to be opening up our gyms in England on Monday and expect approaching one million workouts over the course of next week.

“The lockdown has been incredibly tough both for our members and the 3,100-strong PureGym team.

“We know how much our members have missed the gym these past few months and I know I speak for the whole team in saying we are so excited to be welcoming them back.

“For millions of people going to the gym is an essential part of their daily health and wellbeing routine, and we are committed to ensuring it is a safe and enjoyable experience, enabling people to be fitter, healthier and happier.”

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