Back to training for Garioch gymnasts
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Garioch Gymnastics Club has adapted its sessions to allow its members to return to training safely.
The Kintore-based group put in a huge amount of work so it was ready for the restart and has now welcomed back competitive gymnasts and recreational and pre-school youngsters.
It is following guidance from both British Gymnastics and Scottish Gymnastics and measures outlined by the Scottish Government.
Club manager Janine Robertson said: "The coaches, gymnasts and parents have adapted very well to the changes we have put in place.
"No parents are allowed in the building, they must wait socially distanced outside until a staff member collects the gymnasts on arrival or returns them to the door at the end.
"All staff and gymnasts accessing our facility must get their temperature taken on arrival and sanitise when entering, leaving and at each change of apparatus during a session.
"Gymnasts work in bubbles of up to eight and all start, finish and change of apparatus times have been staggered so only one bubble will enter or exit the gym at one time and when moving between apparatus to allow for cleaning before the next group uses it.
"Each bubble is allocated their own toilet for the duration of their session, which again gets cleaned after they have departed.
"At the end of each day a full gym clean is completed and disinfectant sprayed throughout."
Throughout the gym at receptions, each apparatus station and outside there are clearly marked out social distancing spots for gymnasts to stand on, although only those aged 11 and over, in medically high-risk categories or staff have to socially distance during training.
Robertson added: "We are lucky enough to be working out of a large building which we put air vents in before lockdown, so ventilation is very good.
"Even so, we work with all windows open and when safe to do so doors as well. Our building allows for two access and exit doors, which we now use instead of just the main reception.
"The majority of the gymnasts have returned and feedback from the parents has been very positive. Prior to returning we sent out videos to all our members showing the changes, so the children knew what to expect before returning and this has been very well received."
The club's programmes are filling up with the Gym-Joeys (18 months to three years) being full and it is now starting to look at where it can add classes to the weekly programme to satisfy demand.
"Sadly, Covid restrictions have meant that we have not yet managed to find a safe way to return all of our classes, including the Gyminis, Gym Cubs, adult classes and parties," added Robertson.
"We know we are in a very lucky position to be able to be in control of running our own building and therefore able to open.
"We know of several clubs in the area that, due to the venues they work out of, have not been so lucky. We therefore offered the use of our facility to the local clubs who couldn't yet return and so far Beacon Rhythmic and Banchory Gymnastics Club have or will benefit from our facilities."
The club has also focused on reducing the risk of injury to gymnasts after the long six-month lay-off.
Coaches have adopted a phased approach to training, with phase one concentrating on basics with no hard impact; and phase two developing the basics and introducing tumbling on a sprung floor again.
It is hoped around November the gymnasts will be back to full fitness and will be able to start to train their big tricks again.
Robertson added: "We are very appreciative of our team of amazing staff who have had to adapt to coaching very differently as we are not currently allowed to physically help the gymnasts and we have to wear face coverings throughout the session.
"All of the management team, staff and helpers took part in training days prior to reopening and we are so lucky to have such a fun, hard-working and passionate team who have helped enormously ease the return to gymnastics."
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