Thursday 11 March 2021

David Lloyd Clubs in Scotland reopen for outdoor fitness

• Group urges the Government to prioritise indoor gym reopening on its reopening roadmap and seeks greater financial support for the fitness industry

Tomorrow (Friday 12 March) sees the next step in Scotland’s road to recovery, as the UK’s leading health and fitness group, David Lloyd Clubs reopens all eight of its clubs for outdoor fitness. With its large, open air spaces it is in a unique position to be able to offer an extensive programme of much-needed outdoor group exercise, tennis and swimming at its clubs across Scotland.

However, at the same time, it urges the Government to prioritise the reopening of gyms and leisure centres’ indoor facilities in the roadmap so that it can support nation as it emerges from the pandemic. Its also asking the UK Government for greater financial support, with greater rates relief for fitness businesses plus reduced VAT similar to that offered to the hospitality industry, so that this important sector, which has been closed for around nine months in the last year, can begin its recovery from this devastating crisis.

The Covid-19 pandemic has proven just how important our physical and mental wellbeing is, and after the last 12 months of lockdowns, David Lloyd Clubs is delighted to finally reopen to help the nation to get motivated and inspired to reset their behaviours, to improve their physical and mental health as well as recover from the effects of this past year.

The clubs’ open air spaces will allow members to safely take part in a range of outdoor activities, all strictly following Government guidelines, offering activities which improve strength, flexibility, mobility and support a healthy immune system.

There will be an extensive programme of up to 85 group exercise classes a week – from yoga, Pilates, group cycling classes and bootcamp style workouts, along with some other David Lloyd Clubs favourites including Battlebox and Blaze, all led by expert instructors. Personal trainers will also be available for those looking for added motivation after lockdown. In addition, outdoor tennis will be open for one-to-one coaching, singles and doubles play. The heated outdoor swimming pools will be open every day where available.*

Following the outdoor re-opening, the next stage of the Government’s roadmap sees the indoor facilities planned to re-open towards the end of April. Public Health Scotland data has categorised gyms as low risk settings and David Lloyd Clubs will continue to strictly operate to the latest social distancing and safety standards through its clubs.

With that in mind Michelle Chambers-Cran, regional manager in Scotland says: “We’re delighted to be opening our outdoor clubs, but we urge the Government to prioritise indoor gyms and health clubs. Our industry can play a vital part in the nation’s recovery from this health crisis, but we need more facilities to be open to do so.

“We’ve shown that we can operate safely, but fitness and leisure centres have been closed with no income for the best part of nine months in the last year. We desperately need to be able to offer more facilities to the Scottish public as soon as possible, as well as improved financial support for the many struggling business.

“These last 12 months have taught us all to prioritise our health and gyms have an essential role to play in getting the nation back on its feet. Exercise strengthens the immune system, protecting against viruses such as flu and Covid-19 and helps combat obesity and diabetes, which are significant mortality factors.

“Exercise also supports mental wellbeing, boosting endorphins and offering a positive outlet for the millions who have been struggling. Having a safe space where people can go to away from their home and take part in activities with others as part of a positive and supportive community is vitally important.”

See www.davidlloyd.co.uk for further details including new joining offers.

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*Outdoor swimming is not available at Aberdeen and Hamilton.

Regional manager for Scotland, Michelle Chambers-Cran is available for interview. Please call Jane Delany on 07407 852358 or email [email protected].

About David Lloyd Leisure Group:

The David Lloyd Leisure is Europe’s largest health and fitness group (by revenue according to Deloittes health & fitness market report 2019). It operates 122 clubs - 99 clubs in the UK and a further 23 clubs across mainland Europe, comprising its two brands David Lloyd Clubs and Harbour Clubs (of which there are three - Chelsea, Notting Hill and Kensington).

For the last four years David Lloyd Leisure has been voted into the Top 25 of The Sunday Times’ Best Large Companies to Work For.

It has over 615,000 members and employs around 8300 people. This includes an expert health and fitness team of over 2000 while it contracts the services of more than 680 tennis professionals.

David Lloyd Clubs' racquets facilities are unparalleled with over 1080 tennis courts as well as over 400 badminton and squash courts. Additional facilities include health and beauty spas, club lounges with free internet access, crèches, nurseries and specialist sports shops.