Gym offering free membership to hard-hit workers

A TYRONE gym is offering hospitality workers who are out of work due to Covid-19 a free space to train during the latest restrictions.

So far, gyms are allowed to remain open but for individual training only with local enforcement in place.

Damian Crowne, of Personal Health and Fitness Gym in Gortrush Industrial Estate, Omagh, has decided to open his premises to people who are now out of work and give them a place to come to exercise.

Mr Crowne said, “I know people who work in the sector and they have children and are out of work again for four weeks.

“That is a tough knock to take.

“I thought this would be a good way to give something back to the community and those who have been impacted.

“Gyms are allowed to stay open for now so I am offering those who work in the hospitality sector and are not earning money, a couple of months’ free membership.

“We have plenty of room in the gym, and I am more than happy for people to come down and use it.

“These people have been left out of work again and will be getting minimum payments.

“If you have a family to support, it is not easy for people.

“The gym is open and if you want to come down and use, come down and we will not charge you,” he said.

Mental health

The personal trainer is concerned about the mental health impacts that the current restrictions could have on people, and is hopeful his gesture will help people who may be struggling.

He continued, “People will need somewhere to go and clear their head.

“It will be particularly difficult during the winter as the weather is bad and darker evenings and mornings.

“It is harder for people to go for a walk or get motivated.

“There is a fear that these restrictions will go on longer than expected, like they did in March, and it will be tough time.

“We will do this for as long as the gyms stay open.

“If the numbers keep rising, we could be closed too, but I am happy to try and give something back to the community,” said Damian.