The government is aiming to reopen gyms in mid-July, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has announced in a tweet.
The news follows a raft of lockdown easing measures, including cinemas, pubs and galleries reopening announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson today.
However, two industries left out were gyms and nail bars.
While Mr Dowden made no new promises for nail bars, he addressed gyms in a tweet.
"Many people keen to hit the gym & keeping Britain fit is key in Covid battle", he tweeted.
"We’ve made lots of progress & I know steps businesses have taken to make their spaces & equipment safe
"Subject to public health, our aspiration is to reopen gyms & leisure facilities in mid-July."
Prior to his tweet, PureGym, one of the UK’s largest operators with more than one million members, had slammed the decision to keep gyms closed
In a statement, the company said they were "extremely disappointed" with the decision.
“We understand that these decisions are not easy, but it is a strange ‘war on obesity’ that sees pubs and restaurants open before gyms", the statement read.
Gym and leisure centre trade body ukactive also responded to the announcement that indoor fitness facilities will not be allowed to reopen from July 4, and said that discussions were continuing with Government.
CEO Huw Edwards said: “Many people will be understandably frustrated by the decision not to reopen the fitness and leisure sector from 4 July.
“However, the Government has indicated that gyms and leisure facilities will reopen from mid-July, subject to final agreement between health officials and our sector.
“In these discussions, we are completely confident in addressing any questions the Government and health officials may have, based on the comprehensive health and safety guidance we published and shared with the Government on 7 May."
