Fitness bosses criticise ‘illogical’ decision to open pubs but keep gyms shut

Plans to keep indoor gyms and spas closed while other businesses such as pubs reopen as lockdown is eased have been branded “completely illogical” by industry bosses.

On Tuesday, Boris Johnson announced that a large number of companies in England will be allowed to reopen from July 4, including pubs, hotels, libraries and outdoor leisure facilities – but not indoor gyms and swimming pools.

Mr Johnson told the House of Commons that “difficult judgements” had been made in deciding which firms were able to reopen.

But gym chiefs have criticised the decision and said letting pubs and restaurants reopen while keeping exercise facilities closed could lead to people becoming more at risk of Covid-19.

Glenn Earlam, chief executive of David Lloyd Clubs, told the PA news agency it was a “completely illogical” move.

He said: “So what we hear is that pubs and restaurants will be able to reopen, but health and fitness facilities won’t be able to. To us this is bizarre because we are part of the solution.

“If people come to health and fitness facilities it helps boost their immune system, the chief medical officer has regularly said that health and fitness is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from Covid-19.”

PureGym, one of the UK’s largest operators with more than one million members, said in a statement: “We understand that these decisions are not easy, but it is a strange ‘war on obesity’ that sees pubs and restaurants open before gyms.

“Our facilities are, on average, the size of five or six doubles tennis courts and are exceptionally well ventilated, enabling people to work and exercise safely and securely.”

Mark Sesnan, managing director of GLL, which operates 270 leisure and sports facilities on behalf of local authorities in the UK, told PA he was “flabbergasted” by the announcement.

Mr Sesnan said: “We know that people who have gone into Covid with good health have better outcomes than people who haven’t so we are a bit shocked and amazed that the Government think it’s more important to have pubs open rather than facilities for people to take healthy activities in.

“Speaking as someone who enjoys a pint and a meal myself, I can see the mental health of the nation benefits by getting back to some sort of normality as well, but it surely can’t be a higher priority.

“They need to wake up and smell the coffee, that there’s nothing to be gained by keeping these leisure centres closed.”

After the Prime Minister’s announcement, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden tweeted that the “aspiration” was to reopen gyms by mid-July.

Detailed sector-by-sector guidance is expected later on Thursday on how businesses can reopen in a Covid-secure manner.

Many of those affected include close proximity between households, such as indoor gyms, soft play areas, swimming pools and nightclubs will remain closed.

Parts of the beauty sector will remain shut including spas, nail bars, tattoo parlours, beauty salons and massage parlours.

Bowling alleys, water parks and casinos will also not be allowed to reopen.

Indoor sports and dance venues and skating rinks will stay closed but outdoor gyms will be allowed to reopen.

Addressing close-proximity businesses such as nightclubs, Mr Johnson added that taskforces with public health experts will help them reopen “as soon as possible”.

The trade body representing the night-time economy has welcomed the decision to allow some businesses to reopen, but warned that many businesses will struggle.

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NITA) called on the Government to give further financial support to businesses in the sector.

He said: “For many of our members, including nightclubs, casinos and some pubs, restaurants and bars that can’t meet the one-metre social distancing obligations, the nightmare of enforced closure goes on.

“Businesses operating in the night-time economy have needs distinct from those operating in more general hospitality and it would be unforgivable if those needs are not taken into account by Government.”