A Dublin based personal trainer has called on the Government to allow gyms to stay open through any new restrictions.
Ross Byrne and Independent Gym Owners Ireland, have launched a petition which has over 26,400 signatures so far.
The group says closing gyms and leisure centres during a possible second lockdown, "is not in the interest of public safety and will only add the issue we face."
Gyms Are Strict About Covid Rules - Byrne
The letter, addressed to the Health Minister, mentions the stringent measures gyms have had in place so far.
Ross says he's not a gym owner, but those who are managing leisure centres and gyms are strict about it.
"You cannot touch anything without sanitising it both before and after."
"This applies to all machines, bars, dumbbells and cardio equipment."
While he says contact tracing is easier because, "most gyms are also acting upon a limited access policy to control numbers as well as automated check-in and tracing software"
I'm not an avid gym goer, but getting out for a run a few times a week has been a godsend since March.
Gyms remain open in the North for individual training, data in ROI would suggest outbreaks from gyms are incredibly low (if even existant).
You would hope they remain open.— Rob O'Hanrahan (@RobOHanrahan) October 19, 2020
Ross: Mental Health Also A Consideration
Research from Mental Health Ireland has found that exercise is the most common thing people mention when asked what they do to improve their wellbeing.
39% mentioned exercise, 28% said talking to family or friends.
Ross says "Currently Gyms are classified alongside services such as Pubs, Restaurants and Betting shops."
"My appeal today is that Gyms and Leisure Facilities be taken out of that same classification and deemed essential."
