It’s still safe to keep active despite gym closures
Stricter social distancing measures have been announced today, which will see all non-essential services including gyms close across New South Wales and Victoria by Tuesday 24 March 2020.
With safety as our number one priority, Fitness Australia continues to follow the guidelines set out by the state and federal governments.
We understand that outdoor exercise is still permitted with self-distancing measures being adhered to – including ensuring a 1.5m distance between all people.
Fitness Australia CEO Barrie Elvish tells Australians that it is still safe to exercise outdoors provided social distancing measures were in place.
“Exercise is still safe. The great outdoors is still safe with social distancing in place. Moving your regular training sessions outside will ensure you can still keep your regular routine while protecting yourself during this time,” Mr Elvish said.
Mr Elvish said Personal Trainers (PTs) registered with Fitness Australia hold the scope of practice to deliver outdoor training safely as they adhere to the Outdoor Training Guidelines, which have been updated to include COVID-19 restrictions.
“People are still encouraged to train with their trainer outside. If your trainer is registered with Fitness Australia then they adhere to the relevant guidelines to ensure the safe delivery of outdoor training sessions,” Mr Elvish said.
“Fitness Australia is providing its members, including more than 19,000 personal trainers, comprehensive information to give them every opportunity to run their sessions safely outdoors.”
Fitness Australia provides a range of information on their website fitness.org.au for both PTs and people who are looking to find a registered PT who can deliver outdoor training.
Physical exercise and the vital role it plays in a person’s health and mental wellbeing has never been more important than now – a time of uncertainty, isolation and increased anxiety.
As an industry, Fitness Australia believes gyms should be classified under the essential services category given their important role in managing and maintaining mental health and overall wellbeing, and we will be continuing to advocate the government regarding this.
“In our push to see this recognised we are working to ensure that all our members continue to comply with relevant guidelines and recommendations as they continue to evolve,” Mr Elvish said.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure people keep active and above all else, ensure they are safe.
“As we continue to work together as an industry, the health and wellbeing of all gym operators, employees and their members remains our top priority in all operational decisions during this time.”
We will be sure to keep our members and the fitness industry updated with further information as we receive it, and we will continue to support you and our industry in the coming days and beyond.
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