Fitness fanatics have been left devastated by the news that a popular Dublin gym has announced its closure despite the fast-tracking of coronavirus lockdown restrictions yesterday.
Slender Health gym in Raheny confirmed the announcement to its users over a heartbreaking statement online but did state that the beauty salon would remain open in the premises.
They said that COVID-19 restriction had placed an "intolerable financial burden" on the business which had been a steady foothold in Raheny for 34 years.
In a statement on their website, they said: "Friends and colleagues. It is with a heavy heart that I must advise you that the gym at Slender Health in Raheny will not re-open, however on the positive side the beauty salon will reopen as soon as Government regulations permit it to do so.
"The forced closure of the gym due to COVID-19 restrictions has placed an intolerable financial burden on the business and having taken appropriate financial, legal and medical advice, I reluctantly, and with a huge degree of sadness, have had no alternative but to take the difficult decision to close the business permanently.
"When gyms and similar type of facilities with a concentration of people in close proximity to each other do eventually re-open, we have no certainty as to what ongoing restrictions will be imposed and it may be quite a while before normality returns.
"As most of you will know, we made a very significant investment in the gym in May 2019 just a short year ago. We spent a considerable amount on upgrading the equipment and re-vamping the premises.
"What I believed to be a sound business decision at the time and without doubt was well received by all of our members, has unfortunately turned in to a financial nightmare and the prospect of having to invest further significant funds to Covid proof the gym and/or to significantly reduce numbers of people using the gym facilities, is simply not feasible. No matter how I look at it the gym business is just not sustainable."
They added: "We are pleased to advise that Slender Health Beauty will continue as an ongoing business and will hopefully re-open on the 20th July in Phase 4 of the Government Programme for a return to work. If the Government accelerates that time line, we we will of course let you know.
"We are currently unsure as to what precautions and safety measures we will have to introduce but you have my assurance that we will do whatever we need to do to re-open the beauty salon as soon as possible and we will be taking whatever steps are necessary to prioritise the health and safety of our clients and staff.
They finished: "Since the gym opened some 34 years ago we have been fortunate to attract a wonderful group of members and I know most, if not all of you personally.
"I thank all of you for your support over the years and rest assured that as soon as we dispose of the premises, appropriate arrangements for processing refunds will be put in place for all of you who have pre-paid membership fees.
"I wish all of you the very best for the rest of 2020 and in to the future. Please stay healthy and safe and look after your loved ones particularly those of advancing years and those with underlying medical difficulties."
