AS indoor gyms, swimming pools and sports halls in England begin to reopen their doors today after lockdown, Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols visited locally based family run Ryfields Gym.
Gyms have a hugely positive impact on health and wellbeing – playing a crucial role in supporting public health. The unique value of the physical activity sector – and its workforce – to the national economy, must not be underestimated. The nation’s gyms and leisure centres contribute £7.7 billion to the economy annually and generate £3.3 billion in social value.
The Warrington North MP was recently invited to visit local fitness facility Ryfields Gym to meet Paul and Rebecca who run the Warrington-based gym. During the visit Charlotte was given a tour of the gym and she heard about the steps they are taking to re-open safely.
Ms Nichols said:“As has been the case for so many businesses during the Covid-19 crisis, it has been a challenging time for the fitness industry. I am sure the news that they can now re-open has been a relief to many.
“Gyms like Ryfields are hugely beneficial to maintaining health and wellbeing. Our collective physical and mental health influences our happiness and wellbeing, our ability to work, and how much we contribute to the communities we live in.
“It was great to meet Paul and Rebecca during my visit to Ryfields Gym. I was really impressed with the thought that has gone into making their gym Covid-secure, and it was great to hear about their plans for the future of the business too.
“I know many people are desperate to be able to go back to the gym, and that many others have started their fitness journeys during lockdown and will be keen to keep up that momentum as things start to return to normal.
“I will continue to push the Government for extra financial support to help leisure businesses across our community through this period of transition and the extra overheads associated with social-distancing, to ensure they can stay viable. I want to wish everyone re-opening their doors tomorrow the best of luck!”
