A GYM owner is looking forward to opening up his studio on July 25, as the Government said the fitness sector can return to business, after lockdown measures are eased.
John Clark, owner of FIT3SIXTY Malvern, in Hampden Road, said: “We’ve been delivering outdoor fitness classes since social isolation was relaxed anyway, along with Malvern Rugby Football Club, as we wanted to still engage with the community, but it’s incredible to be able to open again.
“As a private gym, you have to arrive by appointment anyway so we’re carrying on with this, as well as lots of hand sanitiser stations.
"Also, equipment will not be shared and class sizes will be kept small - a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."
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Malvern mayor, cllr Neil Morton, said: “It’s really positive news that gyms are reopening.
"It’s good for the local economy but also it’s where people meet, work out, and have a chat and people are really missing that social interaction.
“Malvern is getting back to the ‘new normal’ and I'm really pleased to see the town moving in the right direction.”
Mike Cherry, national chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “It’s good news to see the Government announce the reopening of thousands more small firms across England.
“Beauticians, nail salons, gyms and the wider fitness sector have faced months without customers, and they’ll be pleased to see that they can finally get back to business.”
New Government guidance means safety measures now start from home as all venues should encourage users to arrive in their sports kit and try to change and shower at home.
The preferred option is that the use of showers and changing rooms should be avoided, but they will have to be available for people with disabilities or special needs.
The guidance also says that venues should “ensure that steps are taken to avoid people needing to unduly raise their voices to each other."
Fitness rooms will have to be adapted so that equipment is spaced out and some taken out of service so that social distancing can be maintained.
Will you be returning to the gym?
Contact our community reporter Steven Collins
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