Temperature checks as Scottish gyms re-open on Monday

People returning to some gyms will have their temperature checked when fitness centres and swimming pools are permitted to open their doors again tomorrow across Scotland
Staff at gyms are preparing to welcome back members tomorrow. Picture: Lisa Ferguson.Staff at gyms are preparing to welcome back members tomorrow. Picture: Lisa Ferguson.
Staff at gyms are preparing to welcome back members tomorrow. Picture: Lisa Ferguson.

Face masks will be compulsory when not exercising.

The move follows ministers bringing forward the re-opening date by two weeks.

Indoor sports courts, dance studios and skating rinks can also re-open, but not for contact sports.

Gourock Outdoor Pool will be among those re-opening on Monday. Picture: John Devlin.Gourock Outdoor Pool will be among those re-opening on Monday. Picture: John Devlin.
Gourock Outdoor Pool will be among those re-opening on Monday. Picture: John Devlin.
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Children up to 12 can resume all sporting activities, and everyone over 12 can resume non-contact sports

Gyms south of the Border re-opened in July.

However, public gyms and swimming pools will stay closed in areas including Edinburgh and Glasgow until 14 September at the earliest.

Smaller classes

The 11 Bannatyne Health Clubs in Scotland will be among those requiring temperature checks on arrival.

But the company said its clubs had enough space for booking not to be necessary, other than for classes, which will be reduced in size.

Exercise equipment will be spaced out to enable distancing and numbers of swimmers in pools will be restricted.

Saunas, steam rooms and water fountains will remain closed.

Owner Duncan Bannatyne said: “A lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes to ensure our facilities are safe for members and staff.

"Although some wet area facilities will remain closed for the time being, we hope to be able to reopen these in the near future.”

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Nuffield Health, which has nine fitness centres in Scotland, said classes would be smaller and shorter, with lane swimming only allowed in pools.

Chief executive Steve Gray said: “The health and safety of our members and employees is our first priority and to ensure our sites are safe we have implemented a number of changes.

“We are reducing fitness class sizes which will also be shorter than usual to allow time to sanitise the space in between sessions.

Two-stage cleaning

"Swimming pools will re-open for lane swimming only, with fewer people able to use the pool at any one time, and members will be asked to book their session before arriving.

"Saunas, steam rooms and spa pools will remain closed, while cafes will be offering a reduced service.

“To ensure cleanliness, we will be performing an enhanced two-stage cleaning process, using detergent and disinfectant, to sanitise all gym equipment throughout the day and clean the entire club overnight.”

Anytime Fitness, which has seven gyms in Scotland, said the lockdown had been tough financially.

‘Watertight track and trace system’

UK chairman Andy Thompson said: “We have been preparing throughout lockdown to help our clubs introduce the necessary social distancing and cleanliness measures to keep our members safe and healthy.

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“Members will find distanced equipment, enhanced cleaning measures, capacity management and a watertight track and trace system when they return to our gyms.

“It has been a difficult time for our club owners financially with over five months with no income, but tomorrow marks the start of the rebuilding process and a clear pathway to getting back on their feet again.”

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