Grantham gyms face difficult period following latest lockdown announcement
Grantham gym owners have responded to the latest government announcement, which did not allow gyms to reopen.
A list of business types allowed to reopen from tomorrow (Saturday) did not include gyms, creating a lengthened period of uncertainty for local business owners who remain closed indefinitely.
Although no concrete date for the reopening of gyms has been confirmed, safety precautions are being implemented by some Grantham gyms for when that day arrives.
Some gyms have also been running virtual classes to keep people fit and healthy over lockdown.
Duncan Foster, director of Oceans, in Dysart Road, found the Government’s announcement “quite surprising”.
He said: “We were told for quite a while that July 4 was our date to reopen unless anything changed. There was no prior warning to that. [Industry association] UK Active weren’t even made aware. We were left in the dark after.”
Duncan explained that Oceans would have been able to open safely, due to the extensive precautions taken at the gym, including distancing all equipment two metres apart, providing products to clean equipment both before and after use and limiting capacity to ensure social distancing can be followed.
Oceans has also spent time during lockdown to extend the gym, using previously unused space on the first floor to create a boxing and spin studio. This increased size will allow more people to exercise safely at a distance.
Duncan continued: “That’s just the start. We are putting together an explainer video to show people how to enter the building and exercise safely to make absolute sure.
“The staff team were well drilled before we went away and they will certainly be well drilled for when we come back. The problem we have is that we were working towards an opening date, but now we are closed indefinitely, which is incredibly difficult as a business owner.”
Equilibrium Gym and Fitness, on Springfield Business Park, as well as taking necessary safety precautions, has been similarly proactive in organising outdoor classes in a marquee, starting from next week.
When asked about the latest Government announcement, Simon Casey, one of the owners, said: “Obviously we are massively disappointed. We want to get back to delivering our service as soon as possible.”
Equilibrium will also be letting personal trainers run classes in the marquee. Simon continued: “I think everyone’s struggling really. It’s been tough. Our main focus has been getting overselves Covid-ready.”
When they are allowed to reopen, precautions to protect members will be implemented, such as protective screens, hand sanitiser stations and gym equipment spaced out to allow social distancing.
Laurence James, owner of Club Fit 24, was less surprised by the latest announcement. He said: “I kind of expected it to be mid to late July anyway, because there wasn’t a concrete announcement that we would open on July 4. I was initially disappointed but I understand why.”
Club Fit, in Watergate, will be ready to reopen later this month, when the government confirms a date, with precautions such as, a usage cap, one-way walkways and equipment spaced apart. Laurence continued: “It’s going to be a very safe environment.
“It’s been a tough couple of months. The most important factor is that we don’t know how the consumer demand is going to be when we reopen.”
