Life Leisure throws open its doors after lockdown closure

After eight months of online classes and home workouts, Stockport’s Life Leisure is to open its doors to fitness fans once again.

Following the Government’s announcement that it is now safe to reopen gyms and swimming pools, the fitness provider has confirmed its Stockport-based centres will reopen on Monday, April 12.

This will include the return of swimming sessions, outdoor group classes and bookable indoor gym sessions, where members will finally be able to get their hands on equipment such as rowing machines, weights and running machines.

Michaela Pennington, Group CEO of Life Leisure, said:

We are excited to welcome back our members after such a long period of absence and uncertainty.

“Keeping active is vital for both our physical and mental health and our members have missed out on a whopping 22,000 activity sessions during the months we’ve been closed.

“While we’ve been able to provide online fitness classes and outdoor sessions, there will be nothing quite like getting back into the pool or working out alongside friends.”

All centres across Stockport will reopen on April 12 apart from Priestnall and Bramhall which will open on June 7. While Dialstone is currently scheduled to open its doors on June 7, it is hoped the reopening will take place sooner. Please check the website for details.

While indoor classes continue to be unavailable until at least May 17, centres will be able to provide outdoor and online group sessions, lifeLEISURE Kids and family classes, and a four-week FitCamp course.

All gym and swim visits must be booked online, and where possible, members are encouraged to come ‘activity ready’ to reduce the demand on changing rooms while social distancing measures remain in place.

Michaela added:

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.”

During  the eight-month closure of centres,  staff at Life Leisure have continued to provide online classes to help keep Stockport residents active.

As well as providing more than 30 live Zoom classes a week, they developed  programmes to help care home residents keep fit and active during lockdown and support those recovering from the virus.

Life Leisure’s R Time project also continued. It supports Stockport’s most vulnerable youngsters by helping to reduce anti-social behaviour, improve mental and physical well-being and to combat holiday hunger.

To view full timetables or book a session, visit the Life Leisure website here.

Photo: L-R: Ian Dixon (Head of Operations), Michaela Pennington (CEO), Hannah Bowler (Active Communities & Schools Officer), and Adelle Izzard (Systems Manager)