What changes to expect as gyms and leisure centres reopen across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
As gyms, leisure centres reopen for the first time in more than four months from today (25 July), many people are wondering what changes might be in store for fitness-goers when they return.
New Government guidelines on cleaning routines and capacity limits mean that workouts and swimming sessions may look very different for the foreseeable future.
Despite fears over Covid-19 transmission, a survey by Sport England claims that 87% of gym members are eager to return.
What will be different?
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 guidance says.
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”.
It adds: “This includes – but is not limited to – refraining from playing music or broadcasts that may encourage shouting, including if played at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult.
"This is because of the potential for increased risk of transmission – particularly from aerosol and droplet transmission.”
What about capacity?
The number of people using a facility at any one time should be limited and users will have to book a slot to workout.
There will be reduced class sizes and enough time will have to be allowed between each class to avoid groups waiting outside during changeover.
Under the government guidance, 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.
Cleaning will be stepped up
Everyone should see enhanced cleaning and hand sanitising being offered throughout venues, which may now have queue management or one-way systems.
Adequate ventilation is a must and using outdoor spaces for individual, team or group activities is encouraged, while exercise or dance studios may sport temporary floor markings to help people stay distanced during classes.
Anything else?
Another no-go zone is the use of shared items such as towels, robes, balls, weights, rackets, balls and scoring equipment, which have to be cleaned or sanitised between users.
What about swimming pools?
Under the guidance, swimming pools should aim to restrict numbers to allow three square metres per bather.
Saunas and steam rooms will have to stay out of use for the time being while flumes at swimming pools should only reopen if they are used in line with social distancing measures.
What happens is a user develops coronavirus?
All venues are also expected to collect personal details of each user, such as name, address, telephone numbers plus date and times of entry and exit, to potentially help with tracing if there is a Covid-19 outbreak linked to the facility.
So... What is open in our region?
East Riding Leisure is reminding its members and customers that it is to reopen most of its Leisure Centres on Saturday, 25 July. East Riding Leisure Hornsea will not be reopening on that date, however, as redevelopment works continue on the site. East Riding Leisure South Cave will reopen on Monday, 27 July.
In Hull Woodford Leisure Centre, Ennerdale Leisure Centre and Costello Stadium will all welcome visitors back to a covid-safe environment from Saturday (25 July).
In Sheffield TRIB3 Fitness will be reopening its doors. However, SIV Fitness sites are still working closely with Sheffield City Council to establish a reopening plan that is safe, and will not be reopening on 25 July.
Leeds City Council owned Active Leeds are going to phase in their sites from Monday (27 July) and council owned swimming pools in the city will not be reopening until further notice.
In York Burnholme Sports Centre and Energise Leisure Centre will open on (25 July) for gym, swim and group exercise classes.
Lincolnshire will see studios and swimming pools will reopen at One NK in North Hykeham, Better Gym in Sleaford and Sleaford Leisure Centre from 25 July.