‘Collective responsibility’ needed as chain of gyms across Northampton look ahead to reopening

As lockdown restrictions continue to ease, a well-known Northampton fitness chain is preparing to reopen its gyms.

Trilogy Leisure, which operates Danes Camp, The Mounts, Duston, Lings Forum and Cripps Recreation Centre at Northampton General Hospital, will reopen gyms and fitness classes on July 25, following the Government’s announcement yesterday (July 9).

Staff at the gyms have been working hard during the closure to implement new measures, as the company reopens in line with fitness trade body, ukactive’s ‘Fit Together Campaign’, which has included colleagues taking part in video to welcome members back.

The main changes to the gym experience across the sites will be advanced booking of sessions and classes and changing rooms and showers will not be open.

In Lings Forum, the sports hall will also be used for gym equipment in order to space members out.

John Fletcher, the newly appointed Managing Director of Trilogy Leisure, said: “We are delighted to be opening our doors and welcoming our customer’s back to our gyms and fitness classes.

“Our hard working team have put a great deal of effort into making our centres safe and ready to return to, in what are unprecedented times.

“Along with social distancing restrictions, there will be an increase in the cleaning of equipment and sanitisation stations, to ensure the highest possible standards of hygiene and cleanliness.

“If any of our members have concerns then staff will be able to explain all the changes when they return.

“We know that people have missed being active together in our facilities, and ukactive’s Fit Together campaign shows that customer and staff safety will be our number one priority when they return.

“Reopening our facilities requires a collective responsibility from operators and customers, and we know our members will be proud to use the Fit Together message as the sector unites in its tireless work to keep the nation moving.”

All of the centres across Northampton will have clear signs guiding members on how to act safely and responsibly, similar to the signs used in supermarkets and equipment will be spaced further apart to comply with social distancing rules.

Changing rooms and showers will also be temporarily unavailable, meaning that members are asked to arrive on site wearing the appropriate clothing.

As Trilogy and other gyms across the town prepare to reopen, charities that rely on sport have welcomed the announcement that gyms and leisure facilities can reopen.

Alex Wallace, founder of Northampton-based charity The Mintridge Foundation that helps young people through sport, said: “Here at The Mintridge Foundation we openly welcome the news that gyms, swimming pools and certain team sports are set to return.

“We work with and mentor numerous young people across the UK who have missed their much-loved sports routines, particularly swimmers or those that play in team sports and have been unable to do so.

“I believe allowing people to start doing these activities again will have a positive impact as we truly understand the importance sports can have both on our physical and mental well being.

“Although there will of course still be certain restrictions in place, it is hugely encouraging to see life slowly returning back to normal.

“My favourite sporting memories from my younger years are surrounded by teammates and friends and we are delighted that young people will be granted this opportunity once again in a safe environment.”

The second phase of Trilogy's reopening will include The Forum Cinema, swimming pools and Berzerk and will be announced in due time.

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