Fitness fans hit the gym in Halesowen as lockdown eases

Scores of people were working out at Anytime Fitness on Queensway this morning (Monday April 12) as complexes across England reopened as part two of the roadmap out of lockdown.

As of April 12, people can use indoor fitness facilities, including pools, alone or within a household group.

Jane Crampton, aged 55, was one of the eager gym-goers back at Anytime Fitness today.

The mum-of-two, from Colley Gate, said: "It's great being around people to exercise - it helps you stay motivated.

"I will come here once a day now.

"The interaction is great.

"Everyone says hello here, it's really friendly."

Jane said she had been on furlough from her job as a bartender at Toby carvery in Quinton, which had been tough.

She will go back to work when it reopens on May 17.

She said: "Being at home has been difficult because I love my job.

"I love seeing people, I'm quite a sociable person."

Anytime Fitness manager Tom Fletcher and gym-goer Jane Crampton

Anytime Fitness manager Tom Fletcher said: "We have a really good membership base.

"It's community driven. Now we are back open it's fantastic.

"It's been mad. We've had existing members coming back, as well as new members signing up.

"It was really difficult having to close, but it was out of our control."

People are urged to wear a mask on entry and exit and when moving between equipment and to wash hands regularly and maintain social distancing.

Exercise classes are still banned in an attempt to reduce contact between people as they work out.

Further easing of the rules will come on May 17, when people will be allowed to mix indoors again.