Today’s Welsh Government announcement that gyms, indoor fitness classes and swimming pools can begin to re-open from August 10th is fantastic news for Leisure for Life and its members, who we know are keen to return to our centres.
With the confirmed date and guidance in mind, the Council will continue its opening preparations and keep members informed of developments.
In the meantime, we urge users of our leisure facilities to download our APP and follow us on social media for the latest news plus details of outdoor fitness classes and home based Leisure for Life workouts they can do as they wait for re-opening news.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Leisure for Life team continues to plan and prepare in line with Welsh Government guidance as “lockdown” eases and people look to safely return to services that are important to them.
Preparatory work began across all Leisure for Life centres some weeks ago, considering how (and if) gyms, fitness class studios, swimming pools and reception areas can be re-opened in adherence to social distancing, once it is confirmed it is safe to do so.
The service has continued to support its members throughout lockdown, immediately freezing all membership payments as it was confirmed centres were closing. Memberships remain frozen.
Professional, qualified Leisure for Life fitness instructors and gym managers have delivered, via the popular Leisure for Life APP and social media feeds, a huge range of free home and garden workouts, running and cycling routes and inspiration for family fitness activities.
Others stepped in to help the wider community, delivering food parcels and medicine to the vulnerable who were shielding at home or working in leisure centres that were repurposed as food bank collection points and community hubs.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Heritage Services, said: “Leisure for Life staff continue to work, informed by Welsh Government and public health advice, to prepare for the re-opening of leisure centres from August the 10th.
“I am proud of the way Leisure for Life has continued to adapt and deliver as a service during these challenging times. Hundreds of people have downloaded the APP during lockdown to enjoy the home-based workouts delivered by Leisure for Life instructors and the recently-added outdoor classes have been a huge success.
“We know our Leisure for Life members are keen to come back and we can’t wait to welcome you all back, but we must do so in a timescale and manner that is safe for all and, following today’s announcement, we will provide further details for the re-opening of our leisure centres and swimming pools in the coming days."
Download the free and easy Leisure for Life APP for the latest news and updates and to access the range of free home workouts and family fitness games and activities.
Make sure you follow Leisure for Life on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – you can also look up and follow your local/preferred leisure centre on Facebook.
If you wish to join an outdoor class and do not have access to the APP, you can contact Leisure for Life between 10.30am and 12.30pm every weekday via 01685 870111
Key points for customers
- We will continue to follow the advice of Welsh Government and Public Health at all times.
- Social distancing and essential measures to prevent the spread of the virus remain the priority concern. Staff are already working in leisure centres to ensure social distancing signage and markers, hand washing and hand sanitizing stations and protective screens are in place to protect staff and customers. There will be temperature checks prior to entry.
- All leisure centre opening hours will change to reflect the new guidelines and the additional cleansing and sanitising needed to maintain a safe environment.
- All activities, including the gym, will need to be booked in advance and sessions will be arranged and organised to enable staff to sanitize the environment between sessions.
- We will, where possible, be taking payment electronically, via the APP, the website and contactless card payments.
- Leisure centre halls and ancillary rooms in some centres have been repurposed to allow more customers to use gym equipment while meeting Government guidelines.
- Communal areas such as changing rooms and showers remain closed. Customers will need to come to the centre ready to train.
- Information regarding memberships will be communicated in the coming days.
- Customers can secure the latest information and updates from the APP, www.rctcbc.gov.uk/leisure or social media (Facebook, twitter and Instagram).