New Government Guidance for Indoor and Outdoor Exercise Classes

Gyms and indoor exercise classes opened up across England at the weekend as the government guidelines relaxed. This means that outdoor classes can have up to 29 participants (I am sticking with a max of 12) and indoor classes can now take place. However, the guidance for indoor exercise classes is very complicated. There must be distancing of 2 meters (3m in classes with movement), cleaning, ventilation, a one-way system in place, handwashing, and complex calculations around occupancy and spacing. Here is an excerpt of the guidance from my insurer, Fitpro: “Government guidance specifies that the maximum total occupancy of a venue is based on a floor area of 100 sq. ft (9 sqm) per person. This figure is the net usable indoor space available to participants. It includes the entrance/reception, changing facilities, toilets as well as the gym and studios. Occupancy includes everyone in the building: participants, instructors, other staff, and visitors.” In light of this, and because the situation regarding Covid19 remains in flux, I will continue to teach outdoors only for the time being. I hope to begin studio classes later in the year if/when the pandemic is more under control. I currently have beginners and intermediate classes running in L15 on weekday evenings and an intermediate class in L1 on a Sunday morning. Hope to see you there soon!