Bristol gym owner speaks of his 'disappointment' that indoor fitness facilities cannot reopen at same time as pubs

Gym owners are disappointed that they cannot reopen on 4 July. Credit: ITV

A Bristol gym owner has spoken of his "disappointment" at not being allowed to reopen at the same time as pubs, hair salons and other businesses.

On Tuesday 23 June Boris Johnson unveiled his next steps in easing the coronavirus lockdown across England, taking effect from 4 July.

While many welcomed the news, others were angry that certain places - like indoor gyms - were on the list of businesses that have to stay shut.

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James Stark, who runs Starks Fitness in Bristol, said he was disappointed after the announcement and does not understand why gyms are not included.

He said staff members at the company's two sites have been working to make sure they are ready for members to return in a safe way.

James said he is "confident" he can deliver sessions alongside the current restrictions and asked for more "clarity" from the Government.

People at Starks have been preparing for weeks to make sure members can exercise safely. Credit: ITV

Alongside the physical benefits of exercise, the team at Starks are aware of the positive mental health impacts of working out.

To help maintain these benefits, they have been delivering online classes to members during the pandemic.

In recent weeks they have also been getting the gyms ready to reopen.

They have installed 'member pods' at the sites in Temple Quay and the Harbourside so that people can stay in the same place for each session.

The length of classes has also been adapted so members can take time to wipe down equipment and wash their hands in between exercises.

MP Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said he hopes indoor fitness facilities will be able to welcome back members from mid July.

From 4 July the two-metre social distancing rule can be relaxed and replaced with a "one metre plus" rule.

Indoor gatherings of any two households will also be permitted under the new guidelines, providing social distancing can still be observed.

Among the businesses allowed to reopen are cinemas, museums, libraries and hair salons.

Like indoor gyms, nightclubs, casinos, indoor play areas and beauty salons must stay closed until further notice.

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