GYMS could reopen by this summer at the earliest, but there are fears they could stay for another six months after they were deemed one of the worst places for spreading coronavirus.

Government officials are planning a road map to ease us out of lockdown, and the latest advice suggests gyms could open in July – but previously gyms had been told they had to stay shut until the autumn.

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When will gyms reopen in the UK?

Gyms have been grouped with bars and restaurants – and will be among the last to reopen as usual sometime in the autumn.

In its recovery strategy document, the Government says the gyms won't open any earlier than July 4.

It reads: "It is likely that reopening indoor public spaces and leisure facilities (such as gyms and cinemas), premises whose core purpose is social interaction (such as nightclubs), venues that attract large crowds (like sports stadia), and personal care establishments where close contact is inherent (like beauty salons) may only be fully possible significantly later depending on the reduction in numbers of infections.

"The Government’s current planning assumption is that this step will be no earlier than 4 July, subject to the five tests justifying some or all of the measures below, and further detailed scientific advice, provided closer to the time, on how far we can go."

More pessimistic forecasts within Government have however predicted that gyms won’t reopen this year.

This comes despite Boris Johnson's speech in which he revealed sports such as tennis, golf and fishing are being encouraged.

Chain PureGym says it's trying to work out how to change the layout of its facilities to allow for social distancing.

Member numbers could also be capped.

CEO Humphrey Cobbold told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme that the chain was working to upgrade hygiene and sanitation procedures in order to "provide a safe environment for the future".

However, Mr Cobbold added that gyms will only be reopened when permitted to do so by the government.

Some countries – including the Czech Republic – will reopen gyms in May, while others, like Italy, plan to keep them shut, even as restrictions ease.

It is understood the Government is working towards a "traffic light" strategy, with red, amber and green phases for partial lifts, extending freedoms and wider freedoms.

Gyms would feature in the later stages of these plans for normal life to resume, along with, for example, pubs.

How will social distancing work after lockdown?

Radical measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus will be in place for up to a year, it is believed.

At work, this is likely to mean screens between desks, staff sitting back-to-back and a ban on hot desking and sharing of equipment.

These measures will also be enforced in gyms.

Brits can expect hand sanitiser at all entry and exit points, regular cleaning of equipment, and yellow and black tape to tell people where to stand.

Gym members could also be asked to frequently wash their hands during visits.

When will outdoor gym equipment be safe to use again?

Much outdoor fitness equipment can be found in parks – but these will stay closed off and are not to be used.

Parks remain open to people taking their daily exercise, but playgrounds and all communal exercise areas are shut to the public.

There are currently no updates as to when these areas could reopen.

The Prime Minister also warned that all gatherings in public areas would be dispersed to help Brits comply with social distancing measures.

But unlimited exercise is allowed – which mainly includes running, walking and cycling – as opposed to leaving the house for just one form of exercise a day.

Will I be able to renew my gym membership if I cancelled?

All gyms are likely to be glad of the business when they eventually reopen.

However, there could be a cap on new members joining due to social distancing.

Many gym companies have frozen all membership payments for the duration of lockdown, including The Gym Group, Pure Gym, DW Fitness First, Virgin Active, Nuffield Health and David Lloyd.

Gym fees already paid will be either refunded by most gyms or added to accounts as a credit.

It's not currently possible to sign up to new memberships at most major gym chains.

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