Gyms and swimming pools still closed, 120 thousand seats at risk

After no to ski resorts, slips the reopening of swimming pools and gyms. As the new Dpcm takes shape, the Draghi government’s line remains one of caution. The main concern is that of variants: the English mutation it represents more than 30% of infections in Italy and by mid-March, according to the Higher Institute of Health, it will be the predominant one in our country.

And so the date on which it will be possible to return to go to gyms, swimming pools and indoor sports centers moves away. According to the indications of the experts of the CTS, who have responded to requests from the government, gyms and swimming pools they will be able to reopen only when the number of infections is 50 people per hundred thousand inhabitants, or the scenario that would allow the regions that were able to reach it of pass in the white band.

In the coming weeks, the indicators may eventually be revised to plan a staggering of entrances to sports facilities, but at the moment scientists do not believe they can give the green light.

Gyms and closed swimming pools, a sector involving 120 thousand operators at risk

The postponement of the reopening of gyms and wellness centers puts at risk a sector that at national level involves 120 thousand operators in over 16 thousand structures from north to south of the Peninsula.

The wellness sector, between companies, associations and sports cooperatives, is worth approx 10 billion a year in turnover and in the last year since the Covid emergency broke out – highlights the analysis of the European Union of cooperatives (Uecoop) – he was able to work only 6 months with significant economic losses, enthusiasts waiting to be able to resume their activities, instructors at home and unused machinery and spaces. The consequences of the blockade risk being felt for a long time even in the event of immediate reopening considering that – Uecoop underlines – there are suspended and unused subscriptions to be disposed of activated before the activity lockdown.

Among the 20 million Italians who practice some form of sport, 1 in 4 (25.2%) is dedicated to gymnastics, fitness, body building or aerobics – explains Uecoop – 23% play football and more than 21% are passionate of water sports, according to Istat. With the anti-contagion block this population of more or less trained athletes resigned themselves to the sofa or had to find alternative solutions such as – underlines Uecoop – creating mini private gyms in the cellar or living room and making soaring equipment prices.

Boom of DIY tools, soaring prices

The expense for a small home fitness station – highlights Uecoop – has reached 457 euros with increases of + 57.5% for dumbbells with weights, + 30% for the bench press and + 58.5% for the exercise bike. If then there are different sites – Uecoop underlines – for the same type of product the differences are even stronger: 2 cast iron dumbbells go from 40 to 160 euros or the discs of the 5 kilos weights jump from 7.50 euros to 44 euros.

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