DAVID LLOYD CLUBS IN WALES REOPEN

• Clubs open for outdoor tennis and personal training
• Group urges the Government to prioritise indoor gym reopening and seeks greater financial support for the fitness industry

Tomorrow (Saturday 13 March) sees the next step in Wales’ road to recovery, as the UK’s leading health and fitness group, David Lloyd Clubs reopens both its Welsh clubs for outdoor tennis and personal training.

However, at the same time, it urges the Government to prioritise the reopening of gyms and leisure centres’ indoor facilities in the roadmap so that it can support nation as it emerges from the pandemic. It is also asking the UK Government for greater financial support, with greater rates relief for fitness businesses plus reduced VAT similar to that offered to the hospitality industry, so that this important sector, which has been closed for around nine months in the last year, can begin its recovery from this devastating crisis.

The Covid-19 pandemic has proven just how important our physical and mental wellbeing is, and after the last 12 months of lockdowns, David Lloyd Clubs is delighted to finally reopen to help the nation to get motivated and inspired to reset their behaviours, to improve their physical and mental health as well as recover from the effects of this past year.

With that in mind Ian Edmunds, David Lloyd Clubs Cardiff General Manager says: “We’re delighted to be opening for tennis and personal training, but we urge the Government to prioritise indoor gyms and health clubs.  Our industry can play a vital part in the nation’s recovery from this health crisis, but we need more facilities to be open to do so.

“We’ve shown that we can operate safely, but fitness and leisure centres have been closed with no income for the best part of nine months in the last year. We desperately need to be able to offer more facilities to the Welsh public as soon as possible.  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. Exercise strengthens the immune system, protecting against viruses such as flu and Covid-19 and helps combat obesity and diabetes, which are significant mortality factors.”

“Exercise also supports mental wellbeing, boosting endorphins and offering a positive outlet for the millions who have been struggling. Having a safe space where people can go to away from their home and take part in activities with others as part of a positive and supportive community is vitally important.”

See www.davidlloyd.co.uk for further details including new joining offers.