Local gym owners are counting the cost of the latest lockdown ahead of what is normally their busiest time of year.
And that has seen the owners of one gym warn that, without support and an easing of restrictions, they could close by Easter.
Owners of Strathaven FTPT, Lucy Dawson and Alan Clark, are fearing a difficult January after Scotland was hit with a tier 4 sucker punch on Boxing Day.
Usually a time they would expect to be inundated with clients, new and old, many gyms – including big hitting chains – are in the same boat and feeling the pinch brought on by coronavirus restrictions.
Lucy told the East Kilbride News: “This has been an incredibly difficult time for us. So much so that Alan is looking at getting another job in the New Year as we have to get money in somehow to support ourselves.
“January, albeit usually the end of the month, is a busy time for us when people really decide to get fit.
“But I don’t see us being allowed to open even when we are due to come out of tier 4 restrictions in a few weeks. And possibly not in February of March either, certainly not for group classes anyway.”
The pandemic could not have come at a worst time for Lucy and Alan who had been steadily increasing their business, even moving into new, larger premises just a few months ago.
As well as fitness training, the pair also specialise in nutrition and clinical weight loss.
But now more than ever, with constantly changing restrictions, they face an uncertain future.
Lucy added: “We moved into new premises, something we committed to before lockdown.
“So we need to be growing and attracting more clients, not closing our doors and turning folk away.
“There is definitely the demand for it with more people realising they need to take care of their health now more than ever.
“If we can get the right financial support, then we can make it through to Easter – but if we aren’t allowed to open and don’t get the support, we will have to close like everyone else.”
Despite doing everything in their power to make the gym as safe as possible, Lucy and Alan have been forced to shut their doors.
“The pandemic has massively impacted on us and many other gyms,” she continued. “We’ve put so many measures in place, but even that’s not good enough.
“There are some of the best hygiene measures you could ask for, with individual training areas, everyone wearing face masks, sanitising your own equipment is a must and we do fogging before and after each session.
“In all honesty I don’t know why health and fitness isn’t being pushed more by the government.
“In a pandemic you need to be fit and healthy and exercise is also good for mental health – under current circumstances, it could be argued we provide an essential service.
“What’s the alternative? People sitting at home possibly eating and drinking too much – that’s not good for anybody.”
