UK Gyms Have Continued Low COVID-19 Spread Rate, Per ukactive Report

Gyms, pools and leisure centers have continued to report low rates of COVID-19 among people using their facilities since the latest reopening in April in the United Kingdom, according to a recent report from the ukactive Research Institute.

ukactive Research Institute is part of ukactive, which is the United Kingdom’s not-for-profit health body for the physical activity sector, with more than 4,000 members, from activity providers to major consumer brands, training facilities and equipment manufacturers.

Since health clubs reopened in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the ukactive Research Institute has collected aggregated data on a weekly basis from more than 1,500 facilities across the UK, representing more than 77 million visits from April to August.

The latest results show an overall rate of one case per 100,000 visits, measured from April 12, 2021, to Aug. 15, 2021, indicating that rates of COVID-19 among the gym-going population remain low and that safety measures taken by facilities continue to be effective, according to ukActive Research Institute.

Supported by ukactive’s Fit Together campaign, operators have shown their commitment to maintain high safety standards after government restrictions were relaxed, helping to ensure employees and the public that their gym, leisure center or fitness class is a safe place to work in and a safe place to work out.

Health clubs have continued to follow strict protocols to help reduce the spread of the virus, including proper ventilation throughout and comprehensive cleaning protocols, according to the report.

The sector’s data compares favorably to COVID-19 rates among the general population as reported by the UK government, which for the same period measure 160.6 cases for every 100,000 people living in the UK.

Because gym operators can capture real-time data based on membership details held within their databases and record details for all users, it allows for quick and relevant contact tracing if a case is reported by someone who has visited a facility and then gone on to test positive, according to ukActive.

The sites reporting data represent a mixture of facility types, including gyms, leisure centers and boutiques, as well as different operating models, including private multi-site chains, public leisure trusts and independent operators and studios.

Data from ukactive members will also help to inform the picture in Europe, feeding into the second THiNK Active study on COVID-19, to be published by Europe Active in September.

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “Despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, one of our sector’s successes has been its dedication to high standards of safety and care for its customers, staff and community, including the diligent monitoring of any COVID-19 cases reported.

“The latest data collated from our members shows that our sector’s commitment to safety and monitoring remains as strong as ever, ensuring our facilities will remain open and accessible in order to play their essential role in our nation’s recovery.

“It has been heartening to see millions of people returning to their local gym, pool or leisure center with confidence over the summer period, demonstrating just how valued these facilities as part of the fabric of our communities.”