Santino’s Gym reopened its doors to fitness fanatics last Monday following the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in England.
Kim Santino, who owns Santino’s, is eager to get back to work after a long time off without training and also due to a reduced income.
Unfortunately, many gyms have had to close permanently because of the pandemic, but luckily for Santino the majority of his members continued their direct debit payments during the last lockdown to help keep the business afloat.
Additioally, donations from customers and members of the public, along with the renting out of equipment, have helped to keep everything ticking over.
The last lockdown came with its personal struggles for Santino also, who suffered with Pneumonia and had to move out of his home, moving his family onto a boat to keep costs down.
Precautions have been put in place at Santino’s to reduce the spread of Covid-19 to ensure the gym operates safely.
Social distancing, regular cleaning of equipment, along with other Covid-secure measures have been put in place as a precaution.
Santino, who has over 30 years of experience within the fitness industry, was hesitant to shut-up shop last year, saying how shutting off people’s way of exercising will lead to increased mental and physical health issues across the country.
There was also little evidence in the first place to support the assumption that gyms were spreading the disease, something which Santino and many others in the industry mentioned at the time.
That being said, everything is starting to return to normal and Santino is pleased that everyone can resume training, especially at Santino’s which he describes as a family.
It remains to be seen if further lockdowns will be implemented, but at the moment everyone at Santino’s, and in particular Kim, are just happy to be back doing what they love.
