Kiwis missing their favourite forms of indoor exercise will be able to get back into the swing of things under COVID-19 alert level 2, with the enforced closures on gyms and fitness centres looking to be lifted.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the nation on Thursday revealing details about what alert level 2 will look like for Kiwis whenever we transition there, hopefully in the coming weeks.
It's good news for gym and boutique fitness centre owners, who will finally be able to open their doors to clients again - with restrictions.
"You can do your usual exercise, sport and recreation activities, provided you can do them safely," Aotearoa's official COVID-19 website has been updated to read.
This includes activities that were previously restricted, including swimming at public pools and going to the gym.
All gyms, fitness centres and studios have remained closed during the levels 3 and 4 of lockdown, meaning many have offered online and virtual services.
There is no official word yet on what the new gym-specific restrictions will look like, but they'll likely involve sanitisation of equipment between uses, staggered fitness class schedules, and limitations on corrections and adjustments from instructors.
A rule on a 1m distance being maintained between customers for businesses reopening will likely also apply to fitness classes like boxing, yoga, pilates etc.
Indoor gatherings of more than 100 people are also not allowed, which may affect larger gyms.
Ardern announced that sport and recreation will also come back under level 2, including professional sports competitions.
