BEfit Gymnasium in Oakham, Fusion 3 in Stamford and Universal Fitness Centre in Bourne prepare to reopen

Gyms and leisure centres are preparing to reopen their doors after lockdown, for what owners hope will be the last time.

Indoor facilities have been closed in Lincolnshire since the county was put into tier 4 on December 31, followed by the third national lockdown.

In the past few weeks gym owners have been busy getting ready after being given the green light to reopen on Monday (April 12).

Daniel Gilbert, who co-owns Fusion 3 in Stamford with Liam Tate and Andy Thomas, said: “We’ve done lots of modernising with new kit for our members to use and shuffled it around to make more space so we are covid-compliant as always.”

He added: “I think it will be great, everyone is excited. From posts on social media people can’t wait to be back in their favourite place and get back to some sort of normality.”

Fusion 3 will be returning to its normal opening hours - which can be found by visiting www.fusion3fitness.co.uk - welcoming the first set of gym-goers back at 6am.

While the team at Universal Fitness Centre in Bourne have seen some customers for outdoor classes, they have been counting down the days until they can officially reopen the doors.

Harvey Taylor, owner, said: “We are desperate and excited to open. There’s an overwhelming feeling among the staff and members hoping it’s the last time we shut.”

He added: “I’m sure it will be similar to when we reopened after the first two lockdowns and be quite busy with an air of excitement and energy in the gym.

“For a lot of people exercise is a massive part of their life. Although people can do bits and pieces at home with light weights people yearn for that atmosphere, community and friendship.”

Under this phase of the roadmap, people will only be able to train on their own or in their household group.

Harvey said: “I would say the vast majority of people train on their own but we are hoping within a few weeks that rule will be gone.”

“As with everything else it’s going to be difficult because some people naturally train with friends or buddies from work.

“That’s a relatively minor thing as long as gyms are open.”

The expansion of BEfit Gymnasium in Long Row, Oakham is set to play a vital role in helping it safely reopen.

It has allowed for 12 new machines to be installed bringing the total to 10 cardio and 24 strength machines at the gym as well as extra floor space.

Ben Easson, owner, said: “Everyone is really excited to get back. I’ve kept everyone up-to-date on social media with pictures of the new gym and equipment and I’ve had lots of messages, including from people wanting to join.”