Fitness fanatics in Sheffield have finally returned to the gym – but just how safe are they?

Gyms were one of the facilities that reopened last Monday as part of the steady easing of Covid-19 restrictions which has been a massive boost to a lot of peoples physical and mental health.

Personal trainer Blu Challis, 19, said: “I’d go as far to say there isn’t even a risk. We have workers dedicated to cleaning the equipment the whole time.

“I get people may be hesitant to get back in the gym through fears of the virus or because of anxieties associated with going out as lockdown has had an effect on people’s confidence.

“Overall, I think the benefits, both physically and mentally, you get from going to the gym definitely make it worth it.”

Going to the gym gives people the option of working out in a dedicated and well equipped space and while people having been getting creative in terms of how to stay fit at home, it is not enough for some fitness enthusiasts.

Chris Sparkes, 24, who is a post-graduate and frequent gym goer said: “It is so good to be back in the gyms it definitely scratches the itch a lot better than working out at home.

“I feel safe at the gym. Although not everyone cleans the equipment, I think enough people do it and if you clean it before and after you use it I think it’s perfectly safe.”

So, while some think the risk is worth it, others are feeling hesitant.

Alex Atkin said: “I won’t be going back to the until we have a better picture of how controlled the virus is going forward.

“I’d also feel uncomfortable coughing in public which when you have asthma is always a risk.”

It seems then to depend on the individual and experts are tending to agree.

Dr. Patrick Green who is a cardiologist at Harmony Campus in Colorado said: “I have personally advised some of my older patients who are at an increased Covid risk to keep out of the gyms for now.

“The most important thing is that people stick to what they’re comfortable with.”