January is traditionally a busy month for people joining or returning to the gym and it seems this year is no different despite the current Covid-19 escalation.

Previously, Covid-19 had been having a significant impact on attendance’s at gyms with many people opting to do online classes or individual training to avoid the risk of catching the virus.

However, Leigh Ferry of Ferry Fit in Killyclug, Letterkenny said he is enjoying his busiest January yet as members are happy to be back in action.

“The gym is very busy. I can genuinely say that this is one of the busiest years that I have had,” said Leigh.

“Obviously people are wary about Covid-19, however, my clients feel safe in the gym and are comfortable coming back in despite the high levels of Covid-19 in the community.

“I don’t like to even think about having to close again but I am hopeful that we won’t go back to that because everyone knows the benefits of exercising for both physical and mental health,” said Leigh.

Leigh explained he has incorporated social distancing and sanitising into his classes to ensure that the gym is a safe environment for users.

“I have introduced time for cleaning equipment and hand sanitising during the classes to ensure that everything is run safely.

“Clients also stay in the one spot during classes now rather than moving around.

“Clients at the gym have loads of space as Ferry fit specializes in small group personal training sessions.

“We have a big focus on sanitation at the gym and this definitely helps make people feel more content in the gym,” said Leigh.

During the previous lockdown, the gym held online training sessions.

These sessions have remained busy despite the reopening of the gym last year, and Leigh believes the online classes will remain popular long after Covid-19.

“A lot of people took part in the online classes during lockdown and it worked really well. Now people are doing the online classes because it suits them better.

“They are able to do the classes at a time when it suits them in their own home but are still getting a good workout.

“This option is just more convenient for some people so we will continuing with the online classes for the foreseeable,” said Leigh.