Buxton gym opens outdoor area for a fresh and breezy workout

New Bodies owner Andrew Lomax came up with the idea after PM Boris Johnson announced groups of up to six people could meet up outside this week.

Father-of-three Andrew hosts classes from just inside the large roller doors at his Dew Pond Lane premises while up to six people take part in the car park.

The gym owner has placed a 48 sq ft canopy in the parking area to keep the rain off in Buxton’s soggy climate - removing it when the sun comes out.

While those who prefer the great outdoors are taking part in kettlebell or free weights classes under the canopy others at home are following the session via Zoom video conferencing.

As of tomorrow outdoor gyms will be allowed to reopen - meaning Andrew could safely increase numbers to 10 - however he added ‘people’s safety is my main concern’.

Andrew, who has been running New Bodies for 21 years, has introduced a contamination-proof system of rules to prevent infection among those using the new outdoor area.

He said: “I want people to feel safe in this environment so we’ve put strict measures in place.

“We’re putting aside half an hour between classes to clean all equipment.

“Unlike circuit training where people change stations people are given their own area to stay in - so it’s more like press-ups or jogging on the spot.

“We’re discouraging socialising at the gym so there’s no chatting or gathering together afterwards - just the session and then they leave.”

New Bodies has also introduced a one-way system and is asking members to wipe down equipment used.

When boxing and yoga classes are reintroduced customers will be asked to bring their own gloves and mats.

Andrew, 45, says he introduced the outdoor area in preparation for further easing of restrictions and to accommodate people with, for example, a poor internet connection.

However he told how many still preferred working out at home using Zoom classes - which he introduced at the start of lockdown.

Andrew said: “Customers I used to see just a couple of days a week I’ve been seeing every day on Zoom.

“I think when we open properly again a lot of customers will opt to stay on Zoom - so we’ll keep filming the classes.”

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