While people can now enjoy unlimited exercise, indoor gyms and swimming pools must still remain closed.

Gyms and fitness centres were told to close on March 20 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and many are now running online classes.

But many fitness fans will still be missing the gym and wondering when things will return to normal.

Here's what we know so far on the reopening of gyms:

When will gyms reopen in the UK?

The Government had originally suggested gyms would be one of the last category of businesses to reopen.

The Sun quoted an industry source saying that gyms would not be open earlier than autumn.

But there is now some hope that they might open as early as July, according to The Guardian.

The newspaper reported in May that Government and health officials, and representatives of the gym and leisure industry were in talks over the reopening plans.

A source apparently said that gyms could open much earlier than originally planned.

Huw Edwards, chief executive of UK Active, also said gyms would not open any earlier than July 4.

How will social distancing work?

According to Active UK's guidelines, gyms - when they are allowed to reopen - should carry out regular and rigorous cleaning procedures.

Machines and workout stations should be spaced two metres apart. If this is not possible, every other piece of equipment should be marked out of order to enable social distancing.

To meet this need, David Lloyd has already drawn up plans to operate "second gyms" in indoor sites like tennis courts.

Watford Observer:

Some clubs will introduce second gyms in indoor tennis courts. Photo: David Parry/PA

The guidelines say there should also be a 10-minute window in between classes so there are no groups waiting around for a class to end.

Markings could be made on the floor to show people where they should place their mats.

Social distancing rules also apply in swimming pools, saunas and hot tubs.

Swimming pools can open as long as they are properly chlorinated and only one parent or carer will be allowed to supervise a child.

What can gyms or fitness centres do now?

Gyms and swimming pools in England can now be used to train elite athletes, but remain closed to the public.

Many studios are offering online classes. But fitness classes in outdoor car parks and tennis courts could also be the way forward during the pandemic.

David Lloyd has announced it will be introducing outdoor classes at some of its centres across the UK.

Watford Observer:

David Lloyd is introducing outdoor classes. Photo: PA

According to the chain, the classes will abide by Covid-19 social distancing rules, with up to six people at each time around the clubs' outdoor pools, garden areas and tennis courts. Classes will range from boot camp-style workouts, to pilates and yoga.

Glenn Earlam, chief executive of David Lloyd Leisure, said: “Obviously the recent good weather makes it a great time to launch, but none of these new activities are weather dependent, and we plan to continue running them into the future.

“More and more exercise is going outside and we firmly believe the ‘new normal’ in exercising will be all about embracing the great outdoors.”