Local fitness provider Life Leisure has announced that 8 of its 12 centres are to open by Friday 28th August, bringing a wide range of health and wellbeing activities back on the agenda for Stockport residents keen to get back to the gym.
Following the government’s announcement at the end of July which gave the go-ahead for gyms to welcome members back through their doors, Life Leisure has been gradually implementing a phased re-opening programme.
This initially saw flagship facilities Stockport Sports Village (SSV) and Houldsworth Village re-open on Monday 27th July.
Life Leisure and Stockport Council have worked in close partnership to ensure further openings throughout this week, starting on Monday (24th) with Grand Central and Brinnington. Life Leisure’s Avondale and Hazel Grove facilities followed on Wednesday (26th), with the re-opening of centres in Cheadle and Romiley rounding off the week on Friday (28th).
Gyms, swimming facilities (where applicable) and studio classes will all resume at the specified centres in line with a rigorous re-opening framework developed by Life Leisure in conjunction with the fitness industry and medical experts.
Malcolm McPhail, Life Leisure Group CEO, said:
We had no choice when it came to closing centres at the start of the pandemic, but we have used every bit of that time to work with our fellow fitness providers, medical advisors and of course our brilliant team of staff, to make sure we can re-open safely.
“We’ve looked at everything, from sanitisation stations, hands-free door opening and PPE for staff to equipment spacing, one-way systems and online booking for gym and class attendance – all to ensure members can train, swim, dance and get the physical workout they want, safe in the knowledge that social distancing and hygiene advice is being fully observed.”
Returning members have expressed their approval of the new safety measures. Sean O’Driscoll said:
I felt really safe at my first session back at Stockport Sports Village. The staff have done a brilliant job with every measure they have made to protect everyone using the gym, especially with the ‘one in and out’ system and all of the cleaning stations.”
Dawn Pickford and Kathy McMahon, regular members at Houldsworth Village, share Sean’s enthusiasm. Dawn commented:
Myself and Kathy did a spin class tonight and we really enjoyed it. Great music too. It feels great to be back in the gym. It is very safe and there’s lots of cleaning products for us all to use. Everyone is being careful and responsible to keep each and every one of us safe in the environment we love.”
Life Leisure has published a full breakdown on its website of measures in place and requirements for attending its facilities.
While lockers will be available, members are advised that restrictions will be in place around changing facilities, with gym changing rooms completely out of use at present in line with guidance received. Entry to all facilities re-opening will also be dependent on producing a Life Leisure membership card.
No café facilities or Crèche will be available during these phases of opening.
Malcolm added:
Throughout the pandemic our members have been absolutely brilliant, taking part in online challenges, virtual fitness classes and showing a massive amount of support for the Life Leisure team. With this re-opening plan, we want to repay that support by offering a really first-class fitness experience that – even if it looks a little different – really helps get people moving again to help their physical and mental wellbeing. I can’t wait to see everyone back.”