Gym chains will freeze membership payments and launch online workout classes after centres across the UK were forced to close to stop the coronavirus spread.

Boris Johnson announced he was shutting all leisure centres, pubs, clubs, theatres, cinemas, and restaurants on Friday in dramatic new measures to beat Covid-19.

After the press conference, many big gym companies committed to pausing their members’ payments.

PureGym, which has more than a million members and 230 sites across Britain, said people would not have to pay during the shutdown.

When gyms reopen, customers’ first payments will be credited by any outstanding amount from their current monthly subscription, the company said.

A message on the company’s website added that it would be launching ‘PureGym Home’ on its app, which will include workouts, on-demand classes, and ideas for nutrition and well-being.

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A Virgin Active statement said the business was automatically freezing membership payments and accounts would be credited with any frozen fees already paid, as well as any pro-rata memberships fees paid for the period between March 21 and 31. 

Managing director Ashley Aylmer urged members to ‘stay fit and healthy during these uncertain times’, saying the company planned to use social media and its website to deliver health advice and home workouts.

Other gym chains to announce a freeze on fees include Nuffield Health, David Lloyd Clubs, The Gym Group, DW Fitness First, Better Leisure Centres and Better Gyms.

Huw Edwards, CEO of not-for-profit fitness industry body ukactive, welcomed Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s ‘unprecedented’ package of financial support for businesses and workers, but said there needed to be more clarity around issues of rental payments and overheads for facilities.

He added: ‘Our members will continue to support their customers even though the physical facilities will be closed – adapting and finding innovative new ways to help people to maintain active lives.

‘We will continue to keep our nation healthy and active in the most challenging of times.

‘The fitness and leisure sector will reopen its facilities when it is safe to do so, and will do so with increased vigour and the energy that has always been its hallmark.’

The nationwide closures are to be reviewed each month, although government scientists have suggested social distancing may need to last up to a year.

Many Britons ignored the government’s pleas to stay inside to have one last evening at the pub on Friday night.

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