Fife gyms operating at 50% now face further impact under Tier 3 restrictions

While some owners said the move was not entirely unexpected given the rise in coronavirus cases across the Kingdom, others said the move has been a further blow given they were already running classes at just 50 per cent capacity.

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust said: “From Friday, we will not be able to provide indoor group exercise classes or sports for adults. More updates to follow.”

Margaret McLean, co-owner of Priory Park Gym in Victoria Road, said: “We expected this given the rise of infections so we will be keeping the gym open but stopping group classes from Friday - just individual only.”

In a post on the Gym 64 Kirkcaldy’s Facebook page, Martin Dickson, regional fitness manager, said: “The gyms are open for individual exercise. As we can no longer conduct indoor classes, an extensive outdoor timetable will be posted in the next few days and will begin on Friday”

Sam and Huw Davis, who own Strength Lab Crossfit in Randolph Industrial Estate, also confirmed individual exercise would continue.

It said: "You will be able to book your one hour open gym time slot to ensure you get your own workout zone.”

Fife hospitality trade fears for future over region's move into Tier 3

However, Susan Simpson, owner of Mind & Body Studio in Kirkcaldy’s Kinghorn Road said she was gutted for her members and also expressed frustration.

In a post on the studio’s Facebook page she said: “I’m upset for those of you who need and enjoy our classes. I’m gutted for you and frustrated at some of the logic.

“Apparently you can stand in your own allocated spot with equipment and do your own exercise, but you can’t take instruction from an instructor, alongside a number of others – all standing in their own spot. I’m not sure I understand that.

"Running classes at 50 per cent capacity was tough but it has made for a community that’s hard to beat.”

She added: “We pray it’s a short pause before we are back together again.”

Thank you for reading this article on our free-to-read website. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a subscription to our print newspaper to help fund our trusted, fact-checked journalism.

https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/nord/dm/FFP/V