Gym chains promise to freeze membership payments and provide online workouts as they are forced to close to stop coronavirus spreading
- Some of Britain’s biggest gym companies promise to freeze membership fees
- Gyms have been forced to close with pubs and clubs amid coronavirus crisis
- Some gym chains including Virgin Active is planning to deliver home workouts
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Gym chains are promising to freeze membership payments and deliver workouts online as centres across the country are forced to close to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Under the new measures announced by the Prime Minister, gyms, alongside other businesses including pubs- are expected to shut their doors to customers from Friday night.
Boris Johnson said the country-wide closures will be reviewed on a monthly basis.
![Virgin Active also told customers it was automatically freezing membership payments. Accounts will be credited with any frozen fees already paid as well as any pro-rata memberships fees paid for the period between March 21 and 31 [File photo]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/03/21/01/26229192-0-Virgin_Active_also_told_customers_it_was_automatically_freezing_-m-45_1584752721219.jpg)
Virgin Active also told customers it was automatically freezing membership payments. Accounts will be credited with any frozen fees already paid as well as any pro-rata memberships fees paid for the period between March 21 and 31 [File photo]
Following the announcement, gym companies posted messages on their websites committing to pause members’ payment obligations.
PureGym, one of the UK’s largest operators with 230 premises, said its more than a million members they will not have to pay while gyms are closed.
When gyms reopen, customers’ first payments will be credited by any outstanding amount from their current monthly subscription, the company said.
Virgin Active also told customers it was automatically freezing membership payments.
Accounts will be credited with any frozen fees already paid as well as any pro-rata memberships fees paid for the period between March 21 and 31.
The company plans to use social media and its website to deliver health advice and home workouts.
Managing director Ashley Aylmer said: ‘We encourage all of our members to stay fit and healthy during these uncertain times.’
![Gym chains are promising to freeze membership payments and deliver workouts online as centres across the country are forced to close to stop the spread of coronavirus [File photo]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/03/21/00/26229162-0-image-a-44_1584752251658.jpg)
Gym chains are promising to freeze membership payments and deliver workouts online as centres across the country are forced to close to stop the spread of coronavirus [File photo]
Nuffield Health also said it was freezing fee payments and told customers it would be providing ways to keep them fit and healthy, including through video content on its YouTube channel.
David Lloyd Clubs, The Gym Group, DW Fitness First, Better Leisure Centres and Better Gyms all confirmed a payment freeze for members covering the closure period.
Huw Edwards, CEO of not-for-profit fitness industry body ukactive, said: ‘Our sector puts the health and well-being of its customers and staff at the heart of its work.
‘Following the Prime Minister’s announcement today telling the fitness and leisure sector to close its facilities, we will be working with our members to support them over the coming hours, given the timeline provided.’