Fitness enthusiasts returned to leisure centres in Gravesham as the government ended enforced closure of gyms on Saturday.

Cascades, Cygnet and Swanscombe Leisure Centres re-opened their doors for the first time since the lockdown, and guests are now able to use a limited range of services.

So far only the gyms and group exercise classes are available, with new safety measures in place, but it’s hoped other facilities will be available again soon.

Darren Gibbons, 52, who has been a member of Cascades for more than 20 years, was among those returning on Saturday.

He said: “Today was my first time back in the gym since lockdown and I can honestly say I think the staff have done a fantastic job to make it as safe an environment for us as possible. I have always wiped over the equipment before and after I use it so it’s absolutely no problem to continue to do that anyway. The gym is cleaner than I have ever seen it, the social distancing works well and all in all it has been great to get back here. I have been walking throughout the lockdown which has been nice and kept up my physical activity but now we are allowed back to the gyms I’ll be here three to four times per week as well as the walking."

Gravesham Community Leisure Ltd said new systems and procedures have been put in place to help with social distancing and the prevention of the spread of coronavirus.

GCLL Managing Director Rob Swain said: “We are so pleased to be able to welcome people back in to our centres.

“It is really good to be able to give our customers the opportunity to use our gyms and exercise classes again.

“Physical activity has a huge affect on people’s wellbeing and can work as a massive antidepressant as well as having the obvious physical benefits of exercise.

“We are asking our customers to check out our new measures before they attend and maintain social distance while visiting.

“Although the changing rooms are open we would ask people to arrive gym-ready.

“The staff have worked hard to make sure the centres are clean and have put in place systems in line with government guidance to make sure that our centres are a safe place to exercise.

“We have staff on hand throughout the day deep cleaning and sanitising areas ready for each session.”

The centres are also operating with revised opening times to help staff maintain a clean environment.

Members can book their sessions up to eight days in advance while non-members can book six days in advance online via www.gcll.co.uk or via the iScuba app for their gym and/or group class session.

Users should check-in at reception as close to their booked session time as possible and leave the leisure centre as quickly as possible after their booked session.

The gym and exercise classes have been marked with socially distanced workout areas, with some of the equipment being temporarily taken out of use. Sanitising stations have been installed, and users will be asked to sanitise each piece of equipment before and after use.

All toilet and hand washing facilities will be open but shower areas will not be available.

More information can be found at gcll.co.uk

The initial opening hours for the leisure centres are 6am to 9pm on weekdays and 8am to 2pm on weekends.

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