Left to right are Ian Dixon (Operations Manager) of Life Leisure, Michaela Pennington (CEO), Hannah Bowler (Active Community and School Officer) and Adelle Izzard (Systems Manager).
After eight months of online classes and home training, residents across Stockport, Greater Manchester can return in person to gyms and swimming pools.
Life Leisure Centers will reopen their doors on Monday as lockdown restrictions are relaxed.
New government guidelines dated April 12th have also allowed outdoor pubs to reopen and barbers and non-essential shops to return.
The reopening includes the return of swimming lessons, outdoor group classes, and bookable indoor gyms where members can finally get their hands on equipment like rowers, weights, and treadmills.
With the exception of Priestnall and Bramhall, which will open on June 7th, all centers will open on June 12th.
Michaela Pennington, Group CEO of Life Leisure, said: “We are delighted to welcome our members back after such a long period of absence and uncertainty.
“Staying active is vital to both our physical and mental health. Our members missed a whopping 22,000 activity sessions in the months we closed.
“While we’ve been able to offer fitness classes and outdoor sessions online, there’s nothing like going back to the pool or working out with friends.”
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Indoor courses are not available until at least May 17, but the centers can offer outdoor and online group sessions, lifeLEISURE kids and family courses, and a four-week FitCamp course.
All gymnastics and swimming visits must be booked online. Whenever possible, members are encouraged to be “active” to reduce demand for changing rooms while social distancing measures remain in place.
During the lockdown, Life Leisure staff offered more than 30 live zoom classes per week.
They have also developed programs to help care home residents stay fit and active during lockdown and to support those who are recovering from the virus.
Michaela added that Life Leisure is doing everything in its power to ensure the health and safety of the centers.
She said, “We looked at everything from disinfection stations to hands-free door openings and PPE for employees to equipment clearances, disposable systems and online bookings for going to gyms and classes.
“It’s all about ensuring that members can exercise, swim, dance, and get the physical exercise they want, safe in the knowledge that social distancing and hygiene guidelines are fully observed.”
For the full schedule or to book a session, visit www.lifeleisure.net/.
