Prime Minister's announcement approves group outdoor exercise with a maximum of 10 people

After several days of confusion over whether outdoor group exercise can be conducted during restrictions of public gatherings, Fitness Australia has highlighted Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's latest advice on such programs.

Announcing heightened restrictions in an address yesterday evening, Prime Minister Morrison, alongside Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy, included details about delivering small group fitness outdoors as part of further social distancing details and measures to help combat the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

In recent days, Fitness Australia has sought clarification from Government on what is allowed and not allowed when it comes to gyms and exercise. This has resulted in specific details regarding exercise being made available in the latest announcement.

In his announcement, Prime Minister Morrison confirmed all indoor facilities, and associated outdoor areas, must remain shut but small group fitness and bootcamps could operate outside provided they have no more than 10 participants.

Prime Minister Morrison stated “community and recreation centres, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre, spin facilities, saunas, wellness centres will shut.

“Boot camps and personal training sessions are limited to a maximum of 10 people with strict social distancing rules observed.”

Stressing that safety is its top priority, Fitness Australia advises that it “continues to follow the directives and guidelines set out by the state and federal governments and Chief Medical Officer”.

Fitness Australia has advised all members who are delivering small group training continue to abide by social distancing rules including having no more than 10 people including the trainer and ensuring a 1.5 metres distance between all people. Strict health and hygiene practices must also be followed.

Fitness Australia has also advised equipment is not to be shared and if it is required, participants must bring their own.

A one-page guideline note on delivering outdoor training in line with the latest government announcement has been provided to all members and is available on the Fitness Australia website and Facebook page.

This information is in addition to Fitness Australia’s Outdoor Training Guidelines, which have been updated to include all COVID-19 restrictions and information including group sizes.

Cick here to visit the Fitness Australia website.