After over three months of being closed, many indoor gyms, leisure centres and pools have reopened today across England.

There is still no reopening date for Scotland and Wales, and Northern Ireland have reopened indoor gyms but not pools.

While many in England will be glad to have the gym back, the experience is certainly set to be different, and many are no doubt wondering whether going back to their local gym will be safe amid the ongoing pandemic…

Is it safe to go to the gym?

The science at time of writing indicates that coronavirus isn’t spread through sweat so if the gym or leisure centre you use has been cleared to reopen and has implemented social distancing guidelines, there’s likely no more risk at the gym than in a bar or pub in that respect.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) writes that the ‘disease spreads primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

‘These droplets are relatively heavy, do not travel far and quickly sink to the ground. People can catch COVID-19 if they breathe in these droplets from a person infected with the virus.

‘These droplets can land on objects and surfaces around the person such as tables, doorknobs and handrails.  People can become infected by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.’

Nuffield Health published additional guidelines for staying safe if you decide to return to the gyms from this weekend.

Their tips include:

• Stay home if you’re unwell – if you show any symptoms of COVID-19, it’s best to stay home to stay safe and to protect others.
• Bring your own equipment – including a full water bottle if the fountains aren’t in use and yoga mats.  
• Use hand sanitising stations – wash your hands upon entering the gym, before and after using a machine.
• Follow the social distancing signs
• Keep to a one-hour workout max – this isn’t enforceable, but many gyms will likely impose a similar suggestion to avoid overcrowding or people queuing nearby for their turn on a machine

Do you need to wear a mask in the gym?

Under the official guidelines, from Friday 24 July, it has been law for people to wear face coverings in shops, takeaways and on public transport unless they have asthma or another disability which stops them from being able to wear a mask.

Gyms have not been included on the list of places where they are required.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden confirmed this, saying: ‘We have not taken a decision to require the wearing of face masks in respect of gyms.’

Will the locker rooms be open?

Many gyms might minimize the use of locker rooms and showers.

Most of the larger gym chains have shared similar guidance, suggesting members arrive in their gym gear and shower at home where possible.

Because showers and changing rooms haven’t been closed by law, each location could be different so it’s best to check with yours beforehand.

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