Summer 2021 still seems like a long way away but there is hope some restrictions could be lifted once the UK starts to come out of lockdown – including the reopening of gyms.

The mass vaccination roll out continues to gather pace with the hope that the vast majority of UK adults receive the coronavirus jab by May.

There’s already some key dates out regarding lockdown reviews – but what’s the latest with gyms reopening?

When will gyms reopen?

The UK government has not yet outlined the plan for easing lockdown restrictions and has not announced a date for when non-essential businesses – including gyms – can open their doors.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there will be a ‘gradual and phased’ approach to lifting restrictions, with reports suggesting that the tier system may be scrapped to ease everyone out of lockdown at the same time.

Mr Johnson said the plans for how England will exit the lockdown will be revealed in the week starting February 22.

On January 24, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that the UK is a ‘long, long way’ from relaxing Covid-19 restrictions.

Gyms did not reopen their doors in England in the first lockdown until July 25 – three weeks after hairdressers, pubs, and restaurants.

After the second lockdown, however, they were allowed to open as soon as it ended.

Gyms were allowed to stay open in all tiers under the three-tier system that replaced the second lockdown in December.

However, they were closed in tier four areas when the additional level was brought in later in the month.

In Scotland, gyms and health clubs were in a late phase of re-opening following the first lockdown – behind pubs and shops.

Gyms have been closed in Wales since December 20 but in good news for gym-goers, they could be one of the first places to reopen once lockdown eases and a review is set for February 18.

Northern Ireland’s current restrictions run until March 5.

When gyms do finally reopen, they will likely have to adhere to the Covid-secure measures which were previously in place, such as reduced class sizes and one-way systems.

Petition to reopen gyms – and how to sign

Despite the closures of gyms there are plenty who are urging the government to open them up.

A petition to ‘open gyms first as we come out of lockdown & fund a Work Out to Help Out scheme’ has already received over 160,000 signatures.

Those wanting to sign the petition and urge the government to reconsider can do so here.

However, any attempts for gyms to reopen in the immediate future are likely to be met with a firm rejection given the government’s previous stance.

In November, Mr Johnson resisted calls to keep gyms, tennis courts, golf courses and swimming pools open during England’s national lockdown.

Mr Johnson suggested that unpicking parts of the lockdown would mean ‘the effectiveness of the whole package is compromised.’

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