Today’s announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the wind back of COVID-19 restrictions, that will see the delivery of outdoor bootcamps up to 10 people occurring in Stage 1 and gyms reopening in Stage 2, has been welcomed by the fitness industry’s peak body Fitness Australia.

Fitness Australia CEO Barrie Elvish said the announcement was well received by the industry but said continued work with each state and territory is required to provide further clarification to businesses and exercise professions across Australia as to a date they can reopen and under what conditions.

Mr Elvish said:

“We welcome today’s relaxations, which will see gyms opened as part of Stage 2 in a few weeks’ time. It was encouraging to hear Scott Morrison specifically mention gyms are the next cab off the rank.”

“With exact timing of reopenings to be determined at a state and territory level, Fitness Australia has been working extensively state governments to development a comprehensive framework for the safe reopening of gyms.”

“We expect some states to move quicker than others as we have already seen with the Northern Territory. Fitness Australia will continue to work with states and territories to provide further clarification to the fitness industry in coming weeks.”

“Gyms can reopen safely, and we have a committed industry who is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the health and safety of members and staff so they can reopen and restart their businesses.”

Mr Elvish said the mental and physical health of Australians had suffered during isolation, job losses and continued uncertainly so it was encouraging to see the continued focus on the importance of exercise at each stage of the roadmap.

Mr Elvish said:

“Exercise and maintaining a regular fitness routine play an important role in keeping our mental and physical health in balance and we are very happy to see outdoor and then indoor activity playing a key role in each of the roadmap stages.”

Fitness Australia will continue to work with states and territories to provide further clarification to the fitness industry over the coming weeks.