Northampton's gyms open their doors from today — but swimmers will have to wait

Gym-bunnies can hit the treadmills again for the first time in four months from today (Saturday) — but swimmers will have to wait.

Trilogy Leisure is reopening its gyms and leisure centres in Northampton alongside many others across the county following a latest relaxation of the government's Covid-19 lockdown guidelines.

Pools, however, will stay locked for the time being.

Trilogy operates Danes Camp, The Mounts, Duston, Lings Forum and Cripps Recreation Centre at Northampton General Hospital.

It's managing director John Fletcher said: “Trilogy would like to encourage its members and customers that they are welcome to pre-book their gym sessions with us and then attend from today.”

“We are asking for patience as there will be some temporary changes and restrictions but 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.”

Today's reopening follows government and public health guidance to make sure that when people return to the facility to be active, they can do so in a safe environment.

Mr Fletcher added: “We are delighted to be welcoming our customers back.

“With our gym now open and with fitness classes starting on August 1, we have signs guiding members on how to act safely and responsibly — similar to signs used in supermarkets — and some equipment will be marked as ‘out of use’ or spaced further apart to comply with social distancing rules.

“The health and safety of our members is of paramount importance to Trilogy. While we have strict new measures in place at our centres that are line with the national guidelines set out by the UK Active Framework, if anyone is showing any Covid-19 symptoms then they should follow the national guidance and stay at home.

”As we open, our gym sessions are by pre-booking only. Therefore please only come to our centres if you have made a booking with us.”

Changing rooms and showers will also be unavailable, so members are asked to arrive wearing their workout gear.

Mr Fletcher added: “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 to them.”