Here is an update as easing of lockdown restrictions continue. The following guidelines are for England only and will apply from March 29th. In the meantime England remains in a national lockdown – the existing rules can be found here National Lockdown Guidance.
From March 29th
- Group exercise, PT and group training classes (led by a qualified instructor/PT) are treated as an organised outdoor sport and can take place outdoors. This assumes completion of a risk assessment, PAR-Qs, COVID symptom checks, social distancing and hygiene measures.
- There is no legal limit on numbers for outdoor sport, however to satisfy insurance guidelines within the fitness industry there is a limit of 30 people (including the instructor) for group exercise. (Children under 5 are not counted towards the gatherings limits for exercising outside).
- Personal training and group exercise can take place in private gardens, but not inside homes, when it’s formally organised and follows COVID secure guidance. There should be sufficient space to safely maintain social distancing, and any access through a house to enter a garden should be swift and completed without touching surfaces.
- Non equipment usage is the preferred option, or clients should be encouraged to bring their own equipment. If providing equipment it should be sanitised before and after each usage
- Organised outdoor and indoor sport for disabled people can continue.
- Outdoor sports facilities including gyms, swimming pools and sports courts can open.
- Indoor facilities remain closed and Indoor group exercise classes are not permitted. (currently no change to previous advice that indoor facility opening will likely occur on April 12th and indoor group exercise classes on May 17th.)
No earlier than 12 April
- Indoor sports and leisure facilities will reopen, including gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools, dance studios, fitness centres, community halls and centres. The wider social contact limits apply – as a single household or bubble indoors; or in a group of 6 people or 2 households outdoors.
- Outdoor gatherings or organised events can proceed subject to compliance with COVID-Secure guidance. This includes taking reasonable steps to limit the risk of transmission, completing a related risk assessment and following social mixing limits.
- Indoor events that bring people together, even if they do not mix with other households, must not run until Step 3. There will likely be exemptions, including support groups, supervised activities for children and parent-and-child groups (up to 15 people, not counting those aged under five).
- The maximum occupancy of an indoor facility – ie minimum of 100 square feet (9.3 square metres) per person.
- Private and home gyms that are classified as business premises can reopen from April 12, following the same guidance as for indoor leisure facilities.
Important Additional Information
- Usage of Track and Trace for PT or group sessions is important. You should download your own QR code poster and ensure participants check-in before taking part in the class. Where participants cannot scan QR codes, you must manually record their attendance in accordance with GDPR regulations, keep details of all class attendees for 21 days and provide all data to NHS Test and Trace if requested.
- Travelling for work and clients travelling to classes. You can travel for work where it is reasonably necessary and if it cannot be done from home. Participants should follow the latest Government guidance on travel and minimise time spent outside their home. They are, however, allowed to leave home to exercise and take part in informal and organised sport and physical activity.
indoor facility – ie minimum of 100 square feet (9.3 square metres) per person and confirmation that private and home gyms that are classified as business premises can reopen from April 12, following the same guidance as for indoor leisure facilities.
Please note: The following link includes the government guidelines for the reopening of businesses and venues in England. See here.
These guidelines are only applicable to England and are subject to ongoing COVID-19 guidelines from the government. – the guidelines differ for other parts of the UK.
