At a time when New Zealanders have easy access to alcohol, sugar, takeaways, fizzy drinks, cigarettes, refined carbohydrates - and to be fair, who doesn't love a tasty apple turnover - it upsets and frustrates me that those facilities whose benefits of physical fitness, mental wellbeing, support for obesity and a damn good dose of endorphins at a pretty difficult time - are closed, or heavily restricted.

In Level 3, Step 1 , gyms are allowed to operate outdoors, with classes of a max. 9 people + the instructor. In Level 3, Step 2 , gyms are allowed to operate outdoors, with classes of a max. 25 people, and that's something of a relief for them. I live right across the road from a gym. I see the lovely owners, a mum and son, over there daily lugging equipment outside - exercise bikes for RPM, weighted bars and plates for pump, steps for - well, Step. Then I see them carefully make sure every station is at least 2-metres apart. At the end of each class they spray down all the equipment, lug it back inside, and hose down the concrete area. I also know gyms have lost an enormous number of members over the lockdowns - understandable, but regrettable. I know other gym owners and they are equally diligent!! 

Gyms and fitness centre owners and managers not only comply with all regulations, they enforce them and more! These people's entire kaupapa is about keeping their communities well; physically, mentally and emotionally. They will not abuse that obligation, should they be allowed to open properly. And I know they'll continue with social distancing etc., working with their industry organisations to ensure everyone is safe.

Please let gyms having to operate with the Level 3 step system open properly, and work with them on a plan to do so indoors safely. For many of us, that's the 'pill' our mental health desperately needs.