Many gyms reopened just after midnight in England
(Picture: PA)Fitness enthusiasts woke early to return to the gym after England’s four-week national lockdown came to an end.
Shops, gyms and personal care services across the country were able to reopen on a day that has been dubbed “Wild Wednesday”.
Gyms welcomed customers back into their fitness centres with clear guidance about how they would try to keep people safe from the coronavirus.
Gym members were seen using the equipment at the David Lloyd health club in Leicester on Wednesday morning.
Swimming pools and leisure centres were also able to reopen today. Eager swimmers were pictured enjoying the pools at the Charlton Lido in Hornfair Park.
Jessica Walker and Nicola Foster, known as the Lido Ladies, posed for the cameras after their first early morning swim at the London lido.
One gym member said they had “never been so excited to get up at 6.50am” to return to their local David Lloyd health club.
I’ve never been so excited to get up at 6.50am as I was this morning. Happy Gymmas! @DavidLloydUK #blaze
— Jack Morley (@jmorley55) December 2, 2020
Easthamstead Park Hotel said its gym welcomed “a good number of members through the doors” after opening at midnight.
We open our doors today for the 2nd time since the refurbishment and we just hope it's for more than 3 days this time. East Park Gym got a head start opening just after midnight and welcomed a good number of members through the doors. pic.twitter.com/K3hC8x0WpK
— Easthampstead Park Hotel (@easthampstead) December 2, 2020
Industry body UKactive said it was a major “milestone” for gyms to be able to reopen on December 2.
Ukactive and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical (CIMSPA) said in a joint statement: "The reopening of gyms and leisure centres in England today will be welcomed by millions of people that rely on these services for their physical and mental health, particularly during the winter.
Gym members return to David Lloyd health club in Leicester
PA"The decision by the Government to reopen our sector under the new three-tier system will help people of all ages and backgrounds to be more active, using the Covid-secure gyms and leisure facilities at the heart of our communities to build resilience against the virus.
"The fitness and leisure sector will continue to respect the Government’s safety guidelines and remain vigilant, demonstrating the professionalism and responsibility that has been clear throughout this crisis."
Swimmers known as the Lido Ladies pose by the pool during sunrise at Charlton Lido
PAA handful of fans will be welcomed to some Football League matches on Wednesday evening, while four race meetings will also have a limited number of spectators during the day.
Under new rules which began at midnight, a maximum of 4,000 fans can be allowed at outdoor events in tier one – though only a small part of the nation is under the lowest level of restrictions with no football league clubs covered.
In tier two areas, up to 2,000 people can be allowed in, though many clubs are hosting smaller test events before moving to that number. Spectators will still be banned for areas under tier three restrictions.
