OPEN LETTER: Can't you see the knock-on effect closing gyms will have?

Friday 04 December 2020

A 28-year-old has opened up about his dramatic weight loss journey and the impact gym closures could have on both islanders' mental and physical health in this open letter to the Chief Minister and Health Minister.

"Dear Chief Minister and Health Minister,

I very much understand the difficult balancing act that you are facing with the current situation, but I wanted to write to express my extreme disappointment that you decided yesterday to close the Health and Fitness facilities in the island without any consideration of the knock-on health and mental health consequences of doing so, and also under the disguise of a 'hospitality lockdown'.

I have struggled with my weight for most of my life, going through periods of quite extreme weight loss and weight gain and have struggled to maintain a constant weight. During the first lockdown, I remember reading the concerns raised by the Health and Fitness industry around wellbeing and not taking them seriously at the time.

Pictured: From today, health and fitness venues are closed to the public as part of a bid to curb the spread of covid-19.

I gained a significant amount of weight during the first lockdown and was encouraged by my friends and family to take this issue seriously. Eventually, I did, by investing in some smart scales and a Fitbit and was shocked to discover that I was technically classed by BMI as being 'morbidly obese', along with having a very high metabolic age and 'very poor' cardiovascular health.

Being young, at 28, this data was very alarming to me and spurred me into taking some action. I joined the gym in the summer and have been seeing a personal trainer at least two times a week. Since joining the gym and seeking professional help, I have finally managed to take control of my weight. I have also:

• Been educated on nutrition and now (mostly) eat a much more healthy and balanced diet than before. I now eat at least 5 balanced meals a week and also ensure I eat enough protein.
• My mental health and wellbeing has significantly improved. I have been able to concentrate and focus better than I have in a long time. I have been able to sleep better. I also feel less stressed and anxious than I did.
• I have lost 14kgs since September, in a sustainable way which I hope to continue.
• My cardiovascular health has improved from 'very poor' to 'poor' and now according to Fitbit is classed as 'fair'.
• My resting heart rate has decreased from 82 bpm to 72 bpm. I am told that a lower heart rate at rest implies a more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness.
• Seeing the personal trainer on a regular basis, being coached and my weight monitored, ensures that I am held accountable, because if left to my own devices, I would most likely prioritise other things over my fitness and would slip into the old habits.
• The gym I have been attending and the personal trainer seem to take covid-19 guidelines very seriously. I don't know all the measures, but as a casual observer, I see that there is a 'covid secure' adapted gym layout, physical distancing and meticulous cleaning in place. I'm not a professional in this, but I don't see how there could be community seeding of the virus in this environment.

The UK has in the past few days re-opened gyms in ALL tiers, including those under the tightest of restrictions, because they recognise the essential service and health benefits they provide. Can I ask for the evidence and logic of why, here in Jersey, we are not learning from our neighbours and are instead closing gyms?

Pictured: Dan says, since joining the gym and getting professional help, made great strides with his physical and mental health.

Health Minister, you have recently spoke of your desire to continue regular 'business as usual' healthcare and that we have to learn to live with the virus. Why are you denying people like me the opportunity to continue improving general health and fitness through exercise in a controlled and safe environment? I see this as a form of healthcare which will reduce health issues and pressure on the Public Health Service in the future. Has this even been considered by you and where is the data to evidence this?

A study published in October suggested that gyms throughout Europe posed an extremely low risk of Covid-19 infection and should have been kept open for the health and wellbeing of their communities during the first lockdown. Also, after analysing more than 62 million gym visits from 14 European countries since September, Sheffield Hallam University researchers discovered that just 487 infections had been reported as a result of these visits, which equated a rate of 0.78 cases per 100,000 VISITS. 

I know you can't please everyone and I agree with measures to control covid-19 in our community, but it seemed very illogical and odd to be closing gyms under a 'hospitality circuit breaker' announcement.

Pictured: Dan wants to know where the data is behind the decision.

I hope you will read this and at the very least explain why. You probably won't reconsider your decision, but please do not dismiss how important health and fitness is to the wider health of the community. Please can someone provide the evidence for this decision?"

Dan Williams