PM Scott Morrison, speaking alongside Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy, last night announced further social distancing details and measures to help combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), including details about delivering small group fitness outdoors.

In recent days, Fitness Australia has sought clarification from the government on what is allowed and not allowed when it comes to gyms and exercise. This has resulted in specific details regarding exercise being made available in the latest announcement.

In his announcement, PM Scott Morrison confirmed all indoor facilities, and associated outdoor areas, must remain shut but small group fitness and bootcamps could operate outside provided they have no more than ten participants.

PM Scott Morrison confirmed:

“Community and recreation centres, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre, spin facilities, saunas, wellness centres will shut.

Boot camps and personal training sessions are limited to a maximum of 10 people with strict social distancing rules observed.”

With safety as our number one priority, Fitness Australia continues to follow the directives and guidelines set out by the state and federal governments and Chief Medical Officer.

Fitness Australia has advised all members who are delivering small group training continue to abide by social distancing rules including having no more than 10 people including the trainer and ensuring a 1.5m distance between all people. Strict health and hygiene practices must also be followed.

Fitness Australia has also advised equipment is not to be shared and if it is required, participants must bring their own.

A one-page guidelines on delivering outdoor training in line with the latest government announcement has been provided to all members and is available on the Fitness Australia website and Facebook page.

This information is in addition to Fitness Australia’s Outdoor Training Guidelines, which have been updated to include all COVID-19 restrictions and information including group sizes.

As we continue to work together through this changing environment, a unified industry is a strong industry that will survive these trying times.