The UK’s largest health and fitness group, David Lloyd Clubs announces that it is to reopen 79 of its clubs in England for outdoor fitness on Monday 29th March. The announcement follows the reopening of outdoor facilities in Scotland and Wales in the last week.
With its large, open air spaces David Lloyd Clubs is in a unique position to be able to offer an extensive programme of much-needed group exercise, tennis and swimming for all the family at its clubs across England.
The Covid-19 pandemic has proven just how important our physical and mental wellbeing is, and after the last 12 months of lockdowns, David Lloyd Clubs is delighted to finally reopen to help the nation to get motivated and inspired to reset their habits, as well as benefit from the sense of community and seeing other members after many months of isolation.
The clubs’ open air spaces will allow members to safely take part in a range of outdoor activities, all strictly following Government guidelines, offering activities which improve strength, flexibility, mobility and support a healthy immune system.
There will be an extensive programme of up to 85 group exercise classes a week – from yoga, Pilates, group cycling classes and bootcamp style workouts, along with some other David Lloyd Clubs favourites including Battlebox and Blaze, all led by expert instructors. The majority of outdoor classes will take place under open sided marquees and giant umbrellas to shelter members from the elements.
Personal trainers will also be available for those looking for added motivation after lockdown. In addition, outdoor tennis will be open for one-to-one coaching, singles and doubles play. The heated outdoor swimming pools will be open every day where available.
The Group awaits confirmation that it can reopen its indoor facilities as part of the next stage of the roadmap on 12th April, alongside non-essential retail.
As the fitness and health industry makes its first steps to reopening after Lockdown 3, it is also calling on the Government for greater financial support, with increased rates relief for fitness businesses plus reduced VAT similar to that offered to the hospitality industry, so that this important sector, which has been closed for around nine months in the last year, can begin its recovery from this devastating crisis.
Glenn Earlam, CEO David Lloyd Clubs commented: “We’re delighted to be able to reopen for outdoor exercise. Our outdoor clubs in Scotland and Wales have proved to be very popular and our members have told us how much they have missed their clubs in England so we know that this move will mean a lot to them.
We’ve shown that we can operate safely, but despite this, fitness and leisure centres have been closed for the best part of nine months in the last year. With very little income in the last year, we desperately need more financial support from the Government. Whilst we appreciate the assistance that we have received while we have been closed, the Government’s budget earlier this month offered our industry little comfort for the future.
Our sector will play an important part in the nation’s recovery from the pandemic. These last 12 months have taught us all to prioritise our health, and gyms have an essential role to play in getting the nation back on its feet. Exercise strengthens the immune system, protecting against viruses such as flu and Covid-19 and helps combat obesity and diabetes, which are significant mortality factors.
“Exercise also supports mental wellbeing and having a safe space where people can go to away from home and take part in activities with others as part of a positive and supportive community is vitally important.”
