GYMS across Ealing have reopened their doors following the end of lockdown yesterday.

Throughout the pandemic, gyms have been a contentious subject for people, as some believe they need to close in order to halt the spread of the pandemic, whereas others advocate for them to stay open no matter what, due to the health benefits they offer.

Ealing Nub News regional editor, Dimitris Kouimtsidis, went to Kiss Gym in Acton yesterday evening to see for himself what the re-opening looked like.

He said: "There is a one way system for entrance and exit, only a maximum of eight people are allowed in the changing rooms at any one time, equipment is spaced far apart and hand sanitiser stations are scattered throughout the gym, along with disinfectant stations so that you can wipe down your equipment before and after each use."

Another gym goer who also went to Kiss Gym yesterday was Russell Bowes, who told Nub News: "I found the gym not to be that busy and people were observing the social distancing rules.

"I felt quite safe there and the gym itself has obviously spent time making sure everything can be as safe as possible, with the air conditioning always on, in order to exchange the air every few minutes."

Fellow fitness 'fanatic', Rend Roye, went to Pure Gym in Park Royal yesterday evening and 'could not be happier to be back.'

She told Nub News: "I always kept seeing the staff cleaning the bikes before and after each spin class.

"There was reduced equipment available, which although creates a longer waiting time, it makes sure everyone is a safe distance from each other.

"I saw staff checking everyone and telling people off if they weren't complying with the rules.

"I definitely feel very safe in the gym, much more so than taking the bus into work, we need to keep the gyms open."

Personal trainer at Pure Gym Park Royal, Ibrahim Bernandez highlighted the positive energy that was radiating throughout the gym, "everyone was so happy to be back", he said.

"Gyms being closed really affect people's mental health, so it's good to be open again, I'm so happy to be back at work.

"Our gym has enforced very strict cleaning procedures in order to help soothe any worries potential gym goers could have about coming to train with us.

"We are doing everything we can to keep gyms open."

Pilates and yoga classes were also back in full swing yesterday in both fitness studios and gyms.

Ealing resident, Anastasia Revi, went to her pilates class and told Nub News she felt very 'invigorated' afterwards.

"The staff were excellent, making sure all COVID protocols were followed.

"We couldn't have asked for anything more, I'm just happy to be back, I feel so much better after going on the reformer."

With talk of the government scrapping the tier system in February, gym goers around the country will be very invested in making sure gyms stay open no matter what the next steps are.