19 Mar 2021
David Lloyd reopens outdoors as Earlam calls for more government support
BY Tom Walker
David Lloyd will reopen 79 of its clubs in England for outdoor fitness on Monday 29 March – two weeks before indoor fitness facilities are allowed to get back to business.
The announcement follows the reopening of outdoor facilities in Scotland and Wales earlier this month.
Utilising its large, open-air spaces, David Lloyd Clubs will offer a programme of group exercise, tennis and swimming for members.
The operator will begin offering up to 85 group exercise classes a week – ranging from yoga, pilates, group cycling classes and bootcamp-style workouts to Battlebox and Blaze.
Led by instructors, the majority of the outdoor classes will take place under open-sided marquees and "giant umbrellas" to shelter members from the elements.
Personal trainers will also be available for those looking for added motivation after lockdown.
In addition, outdoor tennis will be open for one-to-one coaching, singles and doubles play.
The heated outdoor swimming pools will be open every day – where available.
Glenn Earlam, CEO David Lloyd Clubs said: “Our outdoor clubs in Scotland and Wales have proved to be very popular and our members have told us how much they have missed their clubs in England – so we know that this move will mean a lot to them.
"We’ve shown that we can operate safely, but despite this, fitness and leisure centres have been closed for the best part of nine months in the last year.
"With very little income in the last year, we desperately need more financial support from the government.
"While we appreciate the assistance that we have received while we have been closed, the government’s budget earlier this month offered our industry little comfort for the future.
"Our sector will play an important part in the nation’s recovery from the pandemic. These last 12 months have taught us all to prioritise our health, and gyms have an essential role to play in getting the nation back on its feet."
In 2020, following the first lockdown, David Lloyd launched a programme of new outdoor classes at its sites, which included the use of individual pre-bookable workout zones (read more by clicking here).
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