The European fitness industry is slowly beginning to prepare itself for the journey back to recovery, with most national associations expecting gyms and health clubs to begin reopening their doors within the next two months.

In a survey conducted by industry body EuropeActive, 95 per cent of the continent's national fitness associations say their "best estimate" is that gyms, clubs and leisure centres will re-open within two months (38.9 per cent expect sites to open within a month, another 55.6 per cent within two months).

A similar figure (88.9 per cent) expect re-openings to happen in a phased format.

All associations (100 per cent) expect there to be COVID-19-related restrictions – such as social distancing – for gyms to deal with after reopening.

Nearly half (45 per cent) of those surveyed say they are preparing for the restrictions to last for at least six months – with 10 per cent fearing they could be in place for more than a year.

The figures come from the first “snapshot survey”, conducted by EuropeActive on 22nd April.

Designed to offer insight into what is happening across the European fitness landscape, the research will be repeated every two weeks to identify trends within the sector.

The report also shows that most European countries have been in lockdown for more than a month.

For more information, click here for the EuropeActive website.