Taking the gym outdoors

The proprietor and manager of a fitness facility in south east Cavan is adapting his facilities to provide outdoor classes from March, Covid restrictions permitting.

Brian Coleman has erected a canopy at BC Fitness Gym near Ballyjamesduff so that people working out will not get wet. He believes it could be the end of April before indoor classes will be allowed again.

Brian said regular gym members were missing their 45-minute work-outs and life, for some, is even more stressful due to home schooling and remote working.

He keeps in touch with clients who are saying they are stressed out and can’t wait to get back to the gym. People’s motivation levels are at rock bottom, says Brian, because they can’t get a bit of a break from the house.

The BC Fitness Gym is located a short distance out the Rassan road in Ballyjamesduff and it had been very busy before lockdown. The people using the gym come from all walks of life with a new over 50s class proving most popular and a great social outlet for those involved.

“I have been doing online classes via Zoom, but there is not as much banter and interaction between the participants. It has dwindled away a bit, as people are sick of it at this stage. Now, as part of a Facebook group, I am pre-recording a 25-minute workout every day.

“People are loving it because they can view it when it suits them. Some people are doing it during the lunch break and I know a post woman doing it at 5am in the morning,” revealed Brian.

Covid supports are helping but Brian said the lack of income from classes is a big blow.

“In fairness I got three grants since last March, which included a start-up grant,” he added.

One has allowed him to erect a canopy/roof-type structure at the rear of the premises. “Come March, if we are allowed to work outside, I am ready for that now and the people will have a roof over their heads,” concluded Brian.