AS FEBRUARY begins, many are feeling that their January lockdown hibernation must come to an end, and are turning to exercise for a mood-booster.

But with national restrictions still very much in place, all indoor and outdoor sports venues must remain closed (including tennis courts, golf courses and swimming pools).

However, outdoor exercise, once per day, is permitted, and there has been some confusion over where the lines are drawn.

For example, one Basingstoke gym has hit back at concerns that it is open, stating that it is operating within the government guidance only.

So, what are the rules? We take a look at the options for those endorphin-releasing workouts …

Exercising outdoors

People can go for a walk or run, for example, with one other person from a different household, provided that social distancing is maintained.

The government guidance states: “You should minimise time spent outside your home, but you can leave your home to exercise. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

“You can exercise in a public outdoor place:

  • by yourself
  • with the people you live with
  • with your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one)
  • in a childcare bubble where providing childcare
  • or, when on your own, with 1 person from another household

“This includes but is not limited to running, cycling, walking, and swimming.”

Can I go to my gym for a PT session?

“Personal training can continue if participants are from the same household or support bubble.

“It can also continue if it is one-on-one, although this should only take place in a public outdoor place, and not in someone’s private home or garden.”

So, while it is not permitted for clients to enter a gym facility, taking part in a PT session OUTDOORS is within the guidelines.

"Public outdoor places include:

  • parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests
  • public and botanical gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them)
  • the grounds of a heritage site
  • public playgrounds

“Playgrounds are primarily open for use by children who do not have access to private outdoor space, like their own garden. Although you can take your children to a playground for exercise, you must not socialise with other people while there.”

Sport England adds: “A coach/personal trainer can see multiple clients on the same day, as the coach/PT would be in attendance for work purposes. Social distancing must be always maintained and clients shouldn’t overlap with one another.”

What else must be in place to keep people safe?

Government guidance states that “when around other people, stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household.”

This includes the person you are exercising with, unless they are from your household (defined as the people you live with, or your support bubble).

Sport England provides further clarity, adding: “Any coaches or trainers undertaking sessions should ensure they’re complying with relevant national governing body safeguarding policies and procedures and conduct a thorough risk assessment before engaging in any sessions. This should include particular consideration for under-18s and vulnerable adults.”