'It's good to be back' is the emphatic message from Hitchin gym-lovers.

Three lockdowns in 13 months have taken away many things we once took for granted - but with the next step in the easing of restrictions taking place, Archers Gym once again threw open it doors to welcome members back on Monday morning.

The popular site near to Fishponds Road saw socially distanced queues outside, as punters who had pre-booked their 45 minutes sessions, waited eagerly to return.

Busy gym manager Maria Esson took the return to normality in her stride, telling Nub News: 'It's good to be back!" as she dealt with the stream of familiar faces.

Hitchin's Archers Gym reopens

Hitchin Swimming Centre and Archers Gym offer a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities - and it was evident that people were relishing the return to action after being denied for so long due to government restrictions.

Facilities at the site include a Technogym fitness suite, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sauna/steam room and three fitness studios with a variety of workout classes.

It is clear to see that staff and owners SLL, in conjunction with North Herts District Council, have undertaken every conceivable measure to keep visitors safe.

So stringent and professional are the staff's efforts to keep Covid away, even the running machines, fitness bikes and weights machines are socially distanced.

'The gym is really important for good physical and mental health'

Speaking to Nub News between bouts of vigorously cleaning the machines, busy Archer's Fitness instructor Narcisse Audit said: "The gym is really important for good physical and mental health.

"It's been a shame the government closed gyms but we do understand why. The numbers were very high so we respect the reasons why everything had to close. But I'm very glad we're now able to reopen again.

"I've been busy doing personal training online, on Zoom. I've got a little girl so it's been nice to spend time with her and the family. I've been keeping fit training but it's very nice to be back.

"The feedback from our members so far has been great - no complaints, which is always good!"

Benefits of regular exercise

Regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain and helps brain health and memory. Among older adults, it can help protect mental function.

It can also act as an energy booster because regular exercise reduces fatigue and significantly increases energy levels.

Muscle conditioning not only makes you stronger, but also stimulates bone growth, lowers blood sugar, assists with weight control, improves balance and posture, and reduces stress and pain in the lower back and joints.

However, apart from the many health benefits, attending a gym has also been proved to lower stress levels, help with your confidence and boost mental health.

'It's been along winter'

Nub News spoke to Archers member Nick, who admitted: "It's been a long winter. It's been very difficult.

"I'm not very good at exercising at home. I haven't done a lot to be honest. I've been for walks but I've lost fitness and put on a bit of weight.

"I just find it hard not coming to a gym. What a gym gives you is mental wellness as well as physical wellness. It's much better for my head to come here to the gym - it makes me feel good about yourself."

Nick, who was sporting a t-shirt that is given to those who run the London Marathon, added: "Since I ran the marathon I can't really run much, so it's been good to use the cycling machines here - but I mainly come to use the weights machines - things I can't really do at home. It's great to be back in the gym."

The benefits of exercise mean you can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 50 per cent as well as lowering your risk of early death by up to 30 per cent, studies have shown.

Plus the fact, it's good simply good fun to be able to work out in a gym once again.

'I've missed the rush of working out'

Support worker and Archers Gym member Gabriella told Hitchin Nub News: "I haven't done a lot of exercise since gyms closed. I've done a lot of walking but it's not the same.

"I've missed the rush of working out.

"You do feel really good afterwards. It gets your heart pumping far more than a walk would do. I've never really been a real gym-goer but it's great to be back!"

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