A new week, new measures, it seems like this is our “new normal”, but it’s not all bad news! Gyms will be able to open when the current lockdown measures finish, this 2nd of December.
You have probably gone through though times during this second wave, and probably can’t wait to reopen your business. You might be asking when and how you will be able to reopen.
In case you missed it, there was an important meeting this Monday 23rd of November, where they explained all the new measures for fitness businesses and others, don’t stress, we have you covered!
We are here to give you all the insights and information about new measures you need to know before opening .
New measures for fitness businesses in the UK
The past 23 of November, there was an announcement of the “ COVID-19 Winter Plan ” where the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, confirmed that fitness and physical activity facilities will be able to open this 2nd of December, and they will be able to stay open under all three tiers of the new COVID-19 alert system.
Let us clarify the measures during these three tiers:
- Tier 1: All organized indoor sport, physical activities and exercise classes will remain open if they they follow the rule of six people max.
- Tier 2: Same as in tier 1, but only if you can assure that people avoid mixing with others that are not of their households or bubble.
- Tier 3: Leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, the problem comes with group exercise classes that will have to stop, including fitness and dance.
The fitness industry wants changes, ASAP!
The new measures have been stated, now it’s time for the fitness industry to react, we have to say that these new measures haven’t been welcomed by everyone.
There has been a lot of criticism specially regarding the avoiding mixing with people that are not from your household and how this is going to be implemented.
Another measure that has been asked to be reevaluated is the plan for gym classes from next week. The fitness industry calls for a change in group class rules.
The Government has made the decision of banning group exercise classes during tier 3 because of the possibility of a quicker spread of Coronavirus in these type of activities. For example, if you offer yoga classes or others, remember that during tier 3, you won’t be able to offer them in your facility, and this hasn’t settled in well.
Although the announcement showed a positive shift towards the nation’s physical and mental resilience, Ukactive is still ‘disappointed’ that gym classes won’t be able to happen under Tier 3 in England, but announces:
“Our sector must continue to make the case for greater support and recognition as an essential service for communities across the UK, and we will continue to challenge the rationale for closing facilities in Scotland and Northern Ireland."
PM Boris Johnson is ‘Very Sorry’
There has been a petition going around for a couple of months now, and it is one of the main reasons why they had the meeting to talk about the new measures in fitness businesses this past Monday. The petition focuses on asking the Government to prevent gyms from closing due to a spike in COVID-19 cases, you can find it here .
The petition asked for the following things:
- Not to close gyms as a measure to stop any spread of Covid.
- Differentiate gyms from pubs in terms of risk or importance.
- Assuring that gyms are following strict guidelines and most members are following rules.
The Government’s answer was that “sports and physical activity facilities are crucial for adults and children to stay active. The Government’s phased approach is based on scientific and medical advice to protect public health.”
They also assured that they would be in contact with local leaders to create further measures adapted to each area, going beyond the baseline measures. These schemes will be co-designed between the local authority and central government.
Members and fitness business owners are asking about the future
As stated many times, the future of the fitness business is unclear for all. The industry demands the Government to secure that their businesses will be open even if there is a future lockdown. They state that physical activity is basic for having a healthier lifestyle and overall favourable for the whole population.
Will gyms be closed in case of a future lockdown? The Government needs to secure some guarantees as the industry lives with the fear of a future lockdown and doubts that the re-opening of gyms will be long-lasting this time.
According to the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) and ukactive, up to 48 per cent of public leisure facilities could close by the end of 2020 , resulting in the loss of 300,000 jobs.
A survey conducted by Ipsos MORI, states that there were low drops in activity levels during this year, despite an increase in cycling for leisure, running outside and exercising at home as people adapted their activity habits during the pandemic. That is why the industry is demanding a review into the role physical activity plays in society.
According to the Member of the Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne North, Catherine McKinnell, physical activity is fundamental:
“It’s not a ’nice to have’. It’s not just a leisure activity, it’s a fundamental part of people’s health, their mental wellbeing and their ability to stay resilient and resistant to this virus”.
