Return of indoor sports and group classes will boost people's physical and mental health, say Northampton leisure centres

Leisure centres in Northampton are looking forward to the return of indoor sports and group classes next week as a boost to people's physical and mental health.

Yesterday (Monday, May 10), Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the activities could restart on Monday as part of the penultimate step out of the coronavirus lockdown.

Trilogy Leisure managing director John Fletcher said: “Our members and the wider Northampton community have been incredibly patient this year as they wait to get back to indoor fitness and group classes.

“Our campaign to encourage local people that it is their time to shine will now see all ages able to take part in a host of activities for the first time in 2021 and we look forward to welcoming them back.

"Our members and residents across the town have told us how much they have missed using our centres.

"Therefore we are delighted to help them reactivate their feel good. It is their time to shine.”

Moulton Leisure Centre will host virtual classes at first, with instructor-led classes to be added at a later date as restrictions ease, having opened for the first time on April 12.

Whereas Daventry Leisure Centre, which is also ran by Everyone Active, will host instructor-led and virtual classes straight away.

Prior to the reopening of gyms, Everyone Active hosted a comprehensive package of online workouts and livestreamed classes across its social media pages.

As restrictions have gradually lifted, many have been eager to return to group exercise in centres and Everyone Active’s strict operational measures mean they can do so in a Covid- safe environment.

Research commissioned by ukactive showed that 58 per cent of people had managed their mental health and wellbeing during lockdown through being active.

While 63 per cent said taking part in sport and physical activity with others could help with feelings of loneliness.

Jamie Brightwell, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “We are delighted to be able to safely begin and resume group exercise classes in our centres in Moulton and Daventry, respectively.

“Aside from the obvious physical benefits, this will be a huge boost for mental health and wellbeing in the area and comes at an apt time following the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.

“Many of our customers thrive on the social element of exercise, not just for motivational reasons but also because they enjoy seeing friendly faces in a familiar environment.

“With social contact having been limited over the past year, the ability to mix safely with other members of the community will be appreciated by many.

“The importance of mental wellbeing is proving increasingly resonant with the public and customers can include group exercise in their fitness regime in the knowledge they are addressing the needs of body and mind.”