Milton Keynes gym reveals plans and protocols for reopening on April 12

Gyms can reopen in the UK as part of stage two of Boris Johnson s roadmap out of lockdown on April 12.

As long as four key criteria is met, people in Milton Keynes will be able to restart their weight training and workout routines next month.

The four steps are: the vaccine rollout remaining on schedule, the effectiveness of the vaccines administered in protecting against Covid, infection rates remaining low and new variants of the virus not changing the risk of infection.

The Bannatyne Health Club in Milton Keynes is ready to reopen on April 12. The company undertook an extensive assessment of the COVID-19 infection risk to members and staff prior to reopening last year and is confident it has the facilities and protocols in place to limit the risk of infection.

The club will not be operating a booking system for the gym or pools, as the health club is confident it has the space and has calculated the maximum number of members it can accommodate safely.

Ken Campling, chief executive of The Bannatyne Group, said: “It is tremendous news that we can welcome members back to our Milton Keynes club in April.

“It has been a long and difficult twelve months but there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. It is disappointing that classes cannot take place, but we hope that they will resume before too long.

“All our clubs have robust Covid safety measures in place, above the recommendations of UK Active. However, there are other concerns we are going to be working hard to support members with, including the risk of injury after many months away from the gym, and we will be announcing some exciting initiatives over the next few weeks.”

Customers should be aware of the following procedures in place: compulsory wearing of face masks in the clubs except when exercising, hand sanitising stations and enhanced cleaning procedures. Cashless transactions using contactless payment or the Bannatyne 360 wristband will be implemented.

Equipment and CV machines have been spaced to achieve social distancing and prominent floor markings on the gym floor to remind members about ‘’working out’’ safely.

Water fountains will be out of use and members are advised to bring their own water/drink. All dining and cafe bar tables will be appropriately spaced to maintain social distancing.

Some lockers will be out of action, together with some showers in order that social distancing is achieved in these areas, members are advised to arrive ‘gym ready’ to avoid too many people in changing rooms.

A team member will carry out periodic headcount checks in the pool area, which may result in some people being asked to wait in the changing areas for a few minutes, at busy times, until a space becomes available.

Spas will also carry out the tried and tested Covid safety measures put in place in 2020.