Group exercise classes to re-open at leisure centres across Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth next week

Group exercise classes will resume at leisure centres in Leamington Warwick, Kenilworth and nationwide next week.

Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre, Castle Farm Recreation Centre and St. Nicholas Park Leisure Centre are among the sites where classes will take place again from Monday May 17.

Research commissioned by ukactive - a not-for-profit industry association, promoting the interests of commercial fitness gyms and community leisure centres - showed that 58 per cent of people had managed their mental health and wellbeing during lockdown through being active, while 63 per cent said that taking part in sport and physical activity with others could help with feelings of loneliness.

Gareth Wagg, contract manager at Everyone Active which manages Warwick district's leisure centres, said: “We are delighted to be able to safely resume group exercise classes in our centres.

“Aside from the obvious physical benefits, this will be a huge boost for mental health and wellbeing in the local area and comes at an apt time following the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.

“Many of our customers thrive on the social element of exercise, not just for motivational reasons but also because they enjoy seeing friendly faces in a familiar environment.”

“With social contact having been limited over the past year, the ability to mix safely with other members of the community will be appreciated by many.

“The importance of mental wellbeing is proving increasingly resonant with the public and customers can reintroduce group exercise to their fitness regime in the knowledge they are addressing the needs of body and mind.”

Councillor Liam Bartlett, Warwick District Council’s portfolio holder for culture, tourism and leisure added: “We want to pay tribute to the hard work of the team at Everyone Active in successfully reopening the leisure centres, which play such an important role in our local community.

"We know that regular visitors and members can’t wait to get back to the range of excellent classes with something on offer to suit every age and fitness level.”

People who want to attend group exercise classes at the leisure centres are required to book in advance via the Everyone Active website or the mobile app.