LISTEN: Pre-dawn swimmers welcome reopening of leisure centres and gyms

By Rebecca Black, PA

Swimmers were back at a Belfast leisure centre before dawn on Friday as gyms and leisure centres reopened following a two-week closure.

Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre marked the day by opening at 5am, allowing members to have an early morning dip.

Lisa Kirk was among the early risers and said she was thrilled to see the facility open again.

She said: “I swim every day to help me manage the pain I have from arthritis.

Lisa Kirk speaking to Q Radio

“When leisure centres closed in March, it was so difficult because swimming is a big part of managing and living with my condition.

“Getting back to being active again cannot come soon enough and I would encourage anyone who suffers from chronic pain to consider visiting their local pool or gym because it has changed my life.”

GLL, which operates Lisnasharragh as one of its 15 leisure centres across the city, said all have strict protocols and guidance in place to ensure they are compliant with public health measures.

In south Belfast, members at GymCo were also delighted to be back.

Co-owner Martin Conlon said the last two weeks had been tough.

“It’s hard on staff but we used the time wisely, we got some maintenance done, a new stretching area, increased the size of the gym floor to enable us to social distance,” he said.

“It’s brilliant to be open, it’s great for the members, it’s good to see everyone back.

“I’m hopeful we’ll be able to stay open right through until the new year.”

While the sector has been largely reopened, restrictions remain.

Gyms can reopen for individual training but not for classes, outdoor exercise is limited to groups of 15 and spectators at outdoor sporting matches will be limited to 500.