Important information: This guidance may be inaccurate or out-of-date. For updated guidance please go
HERE.
 
Update on Government guidance on outdoor training in England
Posted 12 May 2020FAQs updated 12 May 2020
CIMSPA was yesterday in dialogue with the Government and DCMS and can clarify the guidance relating to outdoor exercise and personal training in England.
From what we have heard yesterday it seems clear that gyms and leisure centres will be unable to reopen
until 4th July at the earliest and we have been advised to expect more clarity in the coming days on the next two phases.
However, we can confirm that,
from Wednesday 13th May, outdoor personal training will be allowedon a one-to-one basis, provided that social distancing guidelines are observed.
The use of outdoor gyms will not be permitted and use of equipment should be kept to a minimum and only used if stringent hygiene practices can be assured, meaning the thorough cleaning of all equipmentbefore and after use.
Tara Dillon, CIMSPA CEO, said,
“The reopening of gyms and leisure centres is still some way off, but we are pleased that some outdoor personal training can resume. This will give some relief to many in our sector who have been impacted by this crisis, and will provide a valuable service to their customers. We would urge all personal trainers to ensure they adhere strictly to the government’s social distancing and hygiene guidelines, and keep the safety of themselves and their customers as their number one priority.”
CIMSPA has a range of resources for business and individuals in the sector on its Stronger Together website hub, providing advice and support during the coronavirus crisis, find it below.
FAQs
Does this guidance apply to the whole of the UK?
This guidance currently applies only to England. Other parts of the UK have different guidance in place so please be sure to follow the advice from the relevant administration.
Will insurance cover PTs who are training clients, following the guidelines, whilst the ‘lockdown’/social distancing is still in play?
If you are normally covered for personal training that you are qualified to do then you should still be covered, but please check with your insurance provider if you have any doubts.
Could I meet with more than one client per day?
The Government has clarified that a personal trainer can meet with multiple individuals per day, provided all sessions are one-to-one, take place in a public outdoor space and social distancing is observed.
Does a garden of a privately owned property count as an outside space?
No, it has to take place in a public outdoor space, such as a park.
Can people train in a private indoor space if there is room to fully adhere to social distancing?
No, it has to be a public outdoor space, such as a park.
Will the Government be directly issuing this guidance?
The Government doesn’t plan to issue this guidance in the short term but we have been in consultation with DCMS (the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) and they are happy for industry bodies like CIMSPA to provide this clarity on their behalf. We are also working closely with other sector bodies
Who do we contact for queries about permissions to use outdoor spaces?
In most cases, you don’t need permission to use public outdoor spaces in this way, but if you are unsure you should contact the local authority responsible for the space.
Are there any guidelines for ‘bootcamp’ type groups?
Training can only be done one-to-one, not in groups.
When will indoor PT’s be allowed to practice?
Current Government guidelines state July 4th at the earliest for gyms and leisure centres to reopen. CIMSPA has already contributed to a sector-wide operational framework (published by ukactive on 7 May) for gyms, leisure centres and the wider fitness industry in the UK, to help them to safely reopen once they are permitted to do so by the Government.
In line with this framework, CIMSPA will shortly be publishing a range of other resources, developed with our partners, to help the sector to reopen safely and effectively, when the time is right. These resources will be published shortly on the CIMSPA Stronger Together website hub, where you can also find helpful guidance, policies, health and wellbeing support and resources to help you develop yourself during lockdown.
 
The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity
CIMSPA's work enhances the career opportunities and professional development of the workforce operating in sport, fitness, exercise, leisure, gym, coaching, health and wellbeing. We achieve this through sector-wide engagement, membership, networking, events, directories and professional standards. 
 
Important information: This guidance may be inaccurate or out-of-date. For updated guidance please go
HERE.