East Suffolk Council
Leisure centres receive green light on group exercise
Two leisure centres in East Suffolk are set to resume group exercise classes in what has been called “a huge boost” for the mental health of the community.
Waveney Valley Leisure Centre and Waterlane Leisure Centre, run by Everyone Active in partnership with East Suffolk Council, reopened on Monday, April 12 after three months of closure due to the third lockdown.
And now group exercise has been given the green light to restart from Monday, May 17 in the penultimate stage of the Government’s four-step roadmap.
Waveney Valley Leisure Centre will host instructor-led and virtual classes, while Waterlane Leisure Centre will host instructor-led classes.
Prior to the reopening of gyms, customers were able to use Everyone Active’s comprehensive package of online workouts and livestreamed classes across its social media pages.
As restrictions have eased, many have been eager to return to group exercise in centres and Everyone Active’s strict operational measures mean they can do so in a Covid-safe environment.
Research commissioned by ukactive* showed that 58% of people had managed their mental health and wellbeing during lockdown through being active, while 63% said that taking part in sport and physical activity with others could help with feelings of loneliness.
Stuart Jardine, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer group exercise classes in our centres.
“Aside from the obvious physical benefits, this will be a huge boost for mental health and wellbeing in the area and comes at an apt time following the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.
“Many of our customers thrive on the social element of exercise, not just for motivational reasons but also because they enjoy seeing friendly faces in a familiar environment.
“With social contact having been limited over the past year, the ability to mix safely with other members of the community will be appreciated by many.
“The importance of mental wellbeing is proving increasingly resonant with the public and customers can include group exercise in their fitness regime in the knowledge they are addressing the needs of body and mind.”
Everyone Active has committed to keeping its customers safe and active, ensuring it will meet and exceed Government guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19 with the Everyone Active Pledge. Full detail on the operator’s pledge and safety measures can be found here.
The Government’s roadmap includes detail on which facilities can reopen within each step, meaning some may not be available in the first instance. For details about which facilities can reopen in each step and the latest guidance, click here.
Cllr Letitia Smith, East Suffolk Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism, said: “We’re really excited to see the return of fitness classes at Waveney Valley and Waterlane Leisure Centres next week as we know that many customers have missed this aspect of their fitness regimes over the past many months.
“We have invested significantly in both leisure centres recently to bring refreshed state-of-the-art facilities to our local communities. This and our new partnership with Everyone Active means that local people can now enjoy leisure facilities that are beyond excellent and offer an enhanced experience to meet all their fitness needs in a safe environment.
“We want to reassure people that every step has been taken to ensure fitness classes can restart as safely as possible. We hope that customers will enjoy these classes once again but also act responsibly so that everyone can have a safe and positive experience.”
Customers wishing to attend group exercise classes are required to book in advance via the Everyone Active website or mobile app.