Outdoor exercise classes to start in Ivybridge on Monday

Fusion Lifestyle and South Hams District Council are "pleased to announce" that in line with the government roadmap, outdoor group exercise classes will restart at Ivybridge Leisure Centre on Monday.

The outdoor exercise programme will see some of Fusion’s most popular group classes brought into the fresh air, giving fitness fans the chance to get back to the classes they love, in a safe and secure way, from Monday, 29 March.

In line with the latest government guidelines, Fusion Lifestyle plan a phased reopening from 12 April across all South Hams and West Devon centres, including the facilities at Ivybridge Leisure Centre, Quayside Leisure Centre in Kingsbridge, Dartmouth Leisure Centre and Totnes Pavilion.

From 12 April swim schools, gyms and swimming for individual and family exercise will also restart. Fusion Lifestyle "hopes to be able to reopen indoor groups exercise, sports halls and other activities in May", as stated in the Government’s "roadmap to recovery".

Those planning to visit will be required to book and pay online, minimising contact required at the centre and allowing for the track and trace process to be implemented. Centre users will be asked to arrive ready to exercise and to be beach ready. These measures, combined with meticulous cleaning routines, are designed to keep customers safe and offer complete confidence to use the facilities and classes.

Earlier in the year, the Government announced a £100 million fund in support of the recovery of publicly owned leisure centres. Out of this fund, South Hams District has been awarded £170,985.

The decision to pass this funding over to Fusion in addition to the revenue support that the council has already provided, has now been agreed by South Hams Council.

Sport England’s chief executive, Tim Hollingsworth, has said: “Leisure facilities have a vital role to play in supporting the health of the nation and in particular in serving our more disadvantaged communities.

“They have been hit especially hard over the past year, so this investment is crucial and will help thousands to reopen when it becomes possible to do so – supporting the recovery and helping people get back to the activity they have badly missed.

“Sport England has worked at pace to enable the distribution of the investment to happen as quickly as possible and remains committed to doing what we can to continue to support this crucial part of our sector.

Anthony Cawley, director of operations at Fusion said: “We are really excited we will be able to start welcoming the local community back to our centres, starting with outdoor activities from 29 March. We know how important our leisure facilities for the health and wellbeing of the local community so we’ll be doing our best to offer the choice of as many outdoor options as we can while we are waiting to open more facilities.”

Chris Brook, South Hams and West Devon’s director of place said: “We’re delighted that our leisure facilities will start to reopen in March, and we hope that from the 12 April many indoor facilities will be open to individuals and families, followed by all indoor activities before the summer.

“Across both areas we have some fantastic facilities including, large family swimming pools, a brand new one with a retractable roof and in other centres renewed and refurbished gyms and sports halls.

“These centres are going to be vitally important to our local communities as they emerge from lockdown, both in terms of mental and physical health. And with many people choosing a staycation these centres could be very busy this summer.”

Bookings can be made up to seven days in advance, via download of the Fusion Lifestyle app or visit www.fusion-lifestyle.com to register and use the booking facility.