Fitness fanatics have waited weeks for the Government to give an update as to when facilities will reopen.
Yesterday Culture Secretary Oliver Downden said from July 25 indoor pools, gyms and other facilities can reopen in England.
This is huge news for gym lovers who have been improvising with home workouts throughout the coronavirus lockdown.
But like supermarkets and pubs, these places will see a lot of change in a bid to maintain social distancing measures.
There will be time slots to book and less people hitting the gym at once.
So here are 9 things to expect when gyms and pools reopen later this month.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Fewer people
Gyms will be asked to reduce the number of people inside, as facilities are only allowed one person per 3 metre squared.
Changing room space and other facilities, like tennis courts, will be included when calculating the amount of people.
The good news is when fitness fans hit the weights for a session, they won’t expect a busy rush.
Smaller classes
Fitness classes will reduce the number of people attending.
To avoid queues outside classrooms and to allow time to clean equipment, the time between sessions could also change.
(Image: Getty Images)
Time slots
Members might be asked to book a time slot in order to lower the risk of infection.
The Government suggested facilities use a booking system to make sure gyms are not overcrowded.
Also it would provide a list for contact tracers if someone did later test positive for Covid-19.
Less equipment
To make it easier for people to keep a distance, there will be fewer pieces of equipment around gyms.
Equipment will also need to be regularly cleaned and wiped down to stop the spread.
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One-way systems
One-way systems could become the new normal for a while in gyms as it will aim to reduce the contact of others.
Quieter music
Places might have been told to refrain from playing loud music which may encourage people to shout and raise their voices.
It’s so the risk of transmission can be lowered as coronavirus is spread through droplets.
Swimming pools
There might be a hard limit on the amount of people allowed in a swimming pool at one time.
Swimming pools could operate with reduced opening hours to give cleaners more time to wipe everything down.
No saunas
For the time-being, saunas and steam rooms might remain closed as scientists warns the risk of transmission is unclear.
No more showers
Although showers and changing rooms are allowed to reopen, the guidance could ask people to do this at home wherever possible.
Speaking about the news yesterday, Mr Dowden said: “The reopening of gyms is the news millions across the country have been waiting for with many people desperate to jump on a spinning bike or dive into a pool.
“Our comprehensive guidance will ensure gyms, pools and leisure centres have the support they need to reopen safely for their customers and staff.
“Helping people return to gyms safely will also help the nation get match-fit to defeat this virus.”