PARTIAL LOCKDOWN NIGHTMARE FOR GYMS

MBABANE – It’s back to square one.

The fitness industry’s recovery from the devastating effects of the initial lockdown has been cut short following the Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku’s announcement of a two weeks partial lockdown. Barely four months after being allowed to reopen their facilities after eight months of suspension and absolutely zero income, gym owners and fitness trainers are reliving the depressing costs of the partial lockdown, which sought to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, through restricting movement and banning gatherings of any sort, including sports activities.

Gyms doors are still open only for individual and one-on-one training sessions. This means that there would be less members and minimum time for training, like all other businesses, they were ordered to close business at 6pm. Most of the gyms lost over half of their members, with many still skeptical in fear of their lives and some of these facilities are still facing financial difficulties and struggling to pay owed rental fees that accumulated during the 2020 lockdown period.

Decision

Fitness trainer Bongani Mthupha, who is based at the Mbabane Club, acknowledged government’s decision to reinitiate the partial lockdown, fully cognisant of the alarming death rate due to COVID-19-related illnesses and escalating cases. “This is no man’s doing, but a disaster, we respect government’s decision and value of human lives. Most of my clients prefer one-on-one home training sessions which are safer and comfortable. We may lose business now, but we understand that all this is meant to save lives,” said Mthupha. The Matrix Gym Director, Skhumbuzo Mohammed, admitted that the fitness industry’s market, like other businesses, had been distorted, but advised people to develop a positive mindset that this would not only help them survive COVID-19 but also speeds up recovery.

“We must learn to live with COVID-19 and observe the health guidelines. We all need to practice extra caution in the gyms, at work and at home. People need to exercise to prevent diseases including COVID-19,” said Mohammed.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: