Hartlepool gym outlines new measures as it gets set to open again to members

Xercise4Less within Middleton Grange shopping centre will open its doors for the first time in four months on Saturday, July 25 – the first day the government has said gyms in England can return.

Like shops and pubs, members will notice a number of differences to help people maintain social distancing and protect them from coronavirus.

They include equipment and machines being spaced further apart, a new one-way system and regular santising of surfaces.

The gym has been closed since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the nationwide lockdown on March 23, and all staff were furloughed.

Chris Richardson, manager of Xercise4Less Hartlepool, said: “It has been a long time for everybody.

"Just getting the doors back open again and everybody in there getting fit and healthy is going to be a massive bonus.

"Myself and the team have kept in touch through the lockdown and can’t wait.

"Members have been asking me when we are opening and can’t wait to go back as well.”

Measures the gym is taking include:

The installation of a perspex screen at the front desk, One-way system in and out of the gym aided by floor markers, Equipment spaced further apart to aid social distancing, Numerous hand sanitiser stations including at the entrance and exit, Provision of hand wipes so members and staff can clean equipment before and after use, 30-minute intervals between every class to allow for cleaning to take place, A deep clean of the whole gym next week prior to reopening, No contact sport within the Combat Zone for the time being.

National guidance also encourages gym users to arrive in their sports kit and to try to change and shower at home.

Hartlepool Borough Council has also announced plans for the phased reopening of its leisure facilities including the Mill House Leisure Centre, Brierton Sports Centre, Headland Sports Centre and Summerhill Visitor Centre.

A limited programme of outdoor fitness classes will take place at the Brierton and Summerhill Centres from Monday, July 20.

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