Buckingham MP Greg Smith has asked for help for fitness studios to be to reopen as well as gyms in a Commons debate.
Speaking at the Commons on Tuesday, March 23, Mr Smith specifically mentioned that the town’s Energy Effect Fitness Studio should be allowed to reopen, when stage two restrictions are lifted on April 12.
However, as the Energy Effect Fitness Studio is not technically a gym, the business will have to wait until May 17 before they can reopen.
Speaking at the Commons, Mr Smith said: “I know from my inbox and postbag that for many people going to the gym or fitness centre is an absolute lifeline.
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“To have had the opportunity to go to the gym cut off has been devastating for many people.
Greg Smith is the MP for Buckingham
“I am pleased most gyms can re-open in a Covid secure manner from April 12.
“One business, however, that I visited last December and about which many customers have written to me will remain sadly closed under the current rules due to the class-based nature of the business. That business is The Energy Effect Fitness Studio in Buckingham.
"I used the debate to raise the case of why The Energy Effect should be allowed to open from April 12, not least as the measures they have taken to be Covid secure, around hygiene, ventilation and social distancing are just as good as other gyms.
“I hope the government will review this and enable The Energy Effect to open as soon as possible."
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Following the Government’s announcement on Monday, February 22, 2021, to introduce a four-stage plan to lift lockdown restrictions, it was revealed that gyms would on April 12.
However, Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes cannot restart until May 17.
The Energy Effect Fitness Studio in Buckingham
In his speech Mr also mentioned Buckingham's Intent 2 Improve gym.
He continued: “In October, I saw first-hand the extensive measures that had been put in place to ensure members' safety with hygiene, ventilation and social distancing measures.
“However, as part of national lockdown restrictions this gym, and all other indoor leisure facilities in my constituency closed.
“Given their excellent track record on hygiene and safety and the correspondingly extremely low incidence of transmission in such settings, it was a bitter pill that such severe limitations were placed on opportunities for exercise in a safe environment during lockdown.
"I have had dozens of constituents contact me with their disappointment that the Energy Effect Fitness Studio will not be able to reopen.
“I saw for myself last year this studio's approach to mitigating the risk of Covid transmission: enhanced cleaning regimes, restricted numbers, clearly marked and spaced positions, and only personal equipment used.
“In the time it was operating there was not one confirmed case.
“How can it be fair this fitness studio has to stay closed when a gym a mile away is open?"
For information about the Energy Effect Studio, visit www.theenergyeffect.co.uk.
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