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07
Apr 2021
Gyms: Excitement mounts but group classes still limited
Gyms and leisure centres in the Harrogate district are preparing to reopen next week after more than three months of lockdown.
But although thousands of people in the district are desperate to start lunging, pressing and punching their way back to fitness, gym life won't be completely back to normal.
Ongoing social distancing restrictions mean many group training classes still won't be available.
Ryan Tansley, owner of CrossFit Harrogate, at Hornbeam Park, said he was looking forward to reopening but because it couldn't offer structured classes, it would operate more along the lines of an open gym.
CrossFit Harrogate has offered discounted rates to members during lockdown, and provided Zoom classes and various challenges, such as performing the most burpees.
Mr Tansley said:
No sparring allowed
Contact won't be allowed at Harrogate boxing and martial arts gym H Hour Boxing and Kao Loi, when it reopens next week, which means no sparring and pad work.
Owner Rob Smith said it will operate predominantly as a fitness gym rather than a combat gym until the situation changes. He said:
The gym has produced many champion fighters, including Thai boxer Rachael Jones MacKenzie, but the impact of lockdown has left its future uncertain.
Mr Smith plans to skydive to raise £5,000 to keep the gym afloat three days before his 50th birthday next month.
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Ripon refurbishment
As owner of Intrim in Ripon for the last 18 years, Phill McKay has been flying the flag for independent gyms at a time when big chains have been taking over. He said:
Absolute Fitness in Boroughbridge, run by former World's Strongest Man competitor Darren Sadler, who now promotes the biggest strongman events on the planet, is also reopening on Monday.
Functional fitness in Knaresborough
Pure Gym in Harrogate will open on Monday. The gym will be open 24 hours but studio classes will not begin until May 17.
Leisure facilities managed by Harrogate Borough Council are also due to resume on Monday. But again, things aren't totally back to normal. A council spokesman said:
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