Gyms and sports centres in Kent have re-opened for the first time in four months with staff and customers getting used to a new way of doing things.

There are several new social distancing rules aimed to preventing the spread of Covid-19.

Independently owned Total Fitness Mix in Deal is allowing just 10 members to use the facility at once with a strict one way system in place.

No walk-ins are permitted. Members must call in advance to book their one-hour slot and must wipe down their equipment after every use.

Owner Samantha Reid said: "We’re doing the best we can to provide a safe training environment so we can encourage as many of our members to come back and train as soon as possible as we know it’s still frightening for a lot of people.

"A booking system with lower capacity ensures we can keep on top of whoever is inside and make sure they are following correct rules and procedures so everyone can train safely."

Callum Vine, owner of Bodyworks Gym in Deal, who kept his members motivated with online videos during lockdown - including with a workout using his daughter's garden toys - said the reopening had been a long time coming.

He said: "Everyone’s glad to be back and it went really well for a Saturday.

"We are all set up with Covid regulations. We can take 25 people at once so no booking required."

Swimmers were desperate to get back in the water at Folkestone Sports Centre.

Receptionist Martin Drage said: "We had a lot of our regulars back in for their early morning swim but throughout the rest of the day it's been a bit slow."

The business is also operating a booking system with a maximum of 10 people allowed in the 25 metre pool at one time and 30 in the gym. The slots are one hour long.

Mr Drage added: "Staff are ecstatic to be back. We just hope it will pick up soon."

General manager Tessa Stickler said: "It's been a challenging four months for everyone, and its so good to be opening up again for all those who have missed the Centre.

"We have extended the gym, by knocking through a wall so that the equipment is more spaced out than it had been, and of course the swimming pool has three wider lanes, with reduced numbers; no changing room showers; one way system and lots of hand washing and sanitising. It seems such a long time since we have seen our regular exercisers.

"Our Toning chairs open on Monday, followed by the sports hall, aerobic classes with a reduced timetable and then the ski slope. As it's the school holidays now, it was going to be a challenge to include a Kids Holiday Club, but we have managed this, by holding these sessions at Hawkinge Community Centre, from 11th August."

Sandwich Leisure Centre remains shut for another week while new lease holders Sandwich Technology School complete renovations including a new sports hall floor, refurbished squash court and replaced air conditioning.

It plans to welcome members again from next Saturday, August 1.

Over on Sheppey, Snap Fitness Neats Court has been implementing enhanced cleaning regimes.

Every hour members are asked to leave the club in Thomsett Way, Queenborough, while staff wipe down the surfaces.

Manager Tom Creed said: "We've measured the gym floor and the upstairs studio and worked out a rough number of members we can have.

"We're asking members to book during the busy staffed hours and because we're 24 hours they can come in whenever they like during the quieter unstaffed hours.

"When they come in the doors are open and we tick off their names from the booking before we tell them where everything is.

"We have hand sanitiser stations already set up and equipment they can use to clean what they have been using.

"Almost everyone has been following the rules so far today."

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