What’s the difference? PT's seek clarification on exercising in lockdown

Friday 19 February 2021

Clarification is being sought on why some sporting activities can be undertaken in Stage 1 and some cannot, as personal trainers who feel they have been denied work view it as a “missed opportunity” to boost people's physical and mental health.

Guernsey begins its exit strategy on Monday and with it the rules on exercise will be relaxed.

In Stage 1, people can exercise or enjoy outdoor recreation for a maximum of four hours and groups of five can meet as long as they socially distance.

The Guernsey Sports Commission has provided some clarity on what this means for outdoor activities. For example; golfers can play; athletes can train; and cyclists can ride, in groups of five, as long as all involved follow social distancing guidelines.

These rules have not been extended to personal trainers.

Pictured: From Monday we'll be able to exercise outside for a maximum of four hours.

Business owner, Jon Le Tocq, doesn’t believe there’s a difference between members of the public exercising in groups of five, or a personal trainer exercising with a group of four or fewer.

“The rules on exercising don’t make sense,” he said. "They are even more frustrating given the rules that are implemented in other situations.”

“Socially distanced exercise with another person is safe, but outdoor one to one ‘paid for’ training is not – the only difference being the exchange of money, which doesn’t even need to physically take place.”

Mr Le Tocq thinks it is a commercial versus non-commercial decision, and wants to understand why.

"Socially distanced groups of five people outdoors is now ok, but a personal trainer, with sanitising equipment and a recorded schedule and a limited client base, cannot operate outdoors."

“So many people are struggling massively and having a structured, programmed fitness routine helps them manage their mind and stay grounded. The fitness industry is as big as it is because people need the support," added Mr Le Tocq.

Pictured: “It is saddening that as an industry we get pushed aside as if it’s a luxury that people don’t really need,” said Mr Le Tocq.

We’ve been reminded of the benefits of exercise on health and wellbeing consistently throughout lockdown. 

“Personally I feel this is a missed opportunity to help improve the mental and physical health of many islanders, but we must all follow the guidelines to ensure we get out of lockdown as quickly as possible,” said another PT we spoke to. 

“At the end of the day, getting the Covid numbers down is the number one priority. But if groups of five are permitted to exercise together, it might be sensible to consider mitigating the potential risk of injury by allowing those who are less confident about how to exercise, the ability to train with a professional in a controlled manner.”

The Civil Contingency Authority continues to field questions on specific situations that many people in Guernsey are facing because of the lockdown.