Covid 19 coronavirus: Les Mills asks members to restart payments despite still being closed

Gym giant Les Mills has asked those who have put their memberships on hold during lockdown to start making payments again.

Headlined "Back us to restart", an email to customers says the company is "facing the biggest hurdle of its 52-year history" and while it was hoped the clubs, which boasted some 60,000 members in March last year, would only be closed for a month, "that's regretfully not to be".

Under alert levels 3 and 4, Les Mills and other gyms throughout New Zealand have been required to cease operations. Only when the country is deemed safe to move to level 2 will fitness centres be able to return to business as usual.

A Ministry of Health spokesman said gyms are likely to be able to open at Level 2.

"At level 2 gatherings and sports and recreation activities of up to 100 people indoors are allowed while maintaining physical distancing and contact tracing requirements," he said.

"Under level 3 (which take effect next week) public venues are closed, eg libraries, museums, cinemas, gyms, pools.

"People are instructed to stay home in their bubble other than for essential personal movement, and businesses can open, but cannot physically interact with customers."

Les Mills applied and was granted two wage subsidy payments under the Government's Covid-19 scheme: Just over $2.34 million for 376 staff under Les Mills New Zealand Ltd and $233,347 to pay 34 staff under Les Mills International Ltd.

For Les Mills members willing to return to making payments, the company has offered a sweetener of sorts: three months free membership for a friend or family member.

During the lockdown, Les Mills has provided free workout sessions via TVNZ morning classes and offered free trials of its Les Mills On Demand app which features workouts and classes in strength, cardio, HIIT, dance and flexibility.

Founded in 1968, last year Les Mills Auckland City, on Victoria St, underwent a massive makeover. When the Herald toured the revamped digs in March last year, $18m out of a $30m budget had been spent.

The $1.2 million boxing studio at Les Mills Auckland City. Photo / Les Mills

• Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website