Caution is key as Harrogate gym owners welcome roadmap plan

The owners of a Harrogate gym say they plan on taking a realistic approach to the easing of lockdown restrictions in a bid to avoid having to close their studio for a fourth time.
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Andy Preston and Matt Goodall, who took over F45, on Albert Street, in November 2019, welcomed the Prime Minister’s roadmap announcement.

But they stressed they did not want to get carried away only to be told that the planned date of April 12, had been put back.

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Harrogate businesses gearing up for a ‘crucial’ summer as lockdown eases

Pictured from left Matt Goodall and Andy Preston of F45 Training, Harrogate
Picture Gerard BinksPictured from left Matt Goodall and Andy Preston of F45 Training, Harrogate
Picture Gerard Binks
Pictured from left Matt Goodall and Andy Preston of F45 Training, Harrogate Picture Gerard Binks

Mr Goodall said: “We are going to fasten our seatbelts and continue riding the storm. We are being careful to maintain a positive outlook on it, but a very realistic outlook.”

The pair said it was now more vital than ever that residents got behind local businesses.

Mr Goodall said: “You only have to walk through the town centre to see how many major shops are on their knees and how many are closed. The only way businesses can keep going is with support from the public. The Government can give grants all day long, but at the end of the day it only goes so far.”

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Mr Preston said they planned to monitor the situation carefully as the date for ‘Stage 2’ of the roadmap was dependent on what happened in the next four weeks: “We are going to stay positive, but will also be realistic. This time we are not prepared to open and close again if we don’t have to.”

However, they said once they had a definite reopening date, plans would be put in place to “throw one heck of a party” for members, who have continued to support them.

Mr Goodall said: “The last year has been hell. I am amazed by the support we have had considering it’s been almost 12 months. We have still got a strong community, even from those who haven’t been able to join our online sessions.

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“It’s been hard, but we have adapted to the situation as best we can, which has helped us to keep going.”

For more information on membership packages at the Harrogate F45 gym please email: [email protected]