Pulling the pin on the UK government, disruptive performance nutrition brand, Grenade, took to Parliament Square, London, this morning to lobby against the classification of leisure centres and gyms as  'non-essential' ahead of England's proposed lockdown on Thursday. 

Former England rugby international, James Haskell, led the ruck, commanding Grenade's signature orange tank about the square while picketing parliament to make the change along with personal trainer and influencer, Paul Olima.

The news comes as ukactive, which represents more than 4,000 gyms and leisure centres, details that despite 22 million gym visits following the sector reopening in July, just 78 cases of Covid-19 have been traced back to these locations – a miniscule percentage of the population. 

Currently not classed as 'essential', the current proposal will mean that gyms and leisure centres will be forced to close across England for at least four weeks. 

Grenade CEO, Alan Barratt commented, “Gyms and leisure centres aren't just 'another sector'. After working in them for most of my life, I've seen how positively they impact people's lives, and not just physically – they're directly supporting the nation's mental wellbeing during one of the most worrying times in recent history.” Alan continues, “With exercise helping to tackle widespread anxiety and stress, as well as offering a huge amount of preventative health benefits, the sector is hugely essential and we urge the government to review its current stance.

Former Rugby international, James Haskell commented, “It's imperative that people can continue to exercise regularly as the nights draw in and the weather worsens. It simply isn't realistic to believe the public will regularly exercise outside during the winter months, causing untold damage to the nation's health. Gyms and leisure centres are vital to keep the nation active and healthy.” 

Vice Chair of the Commons & Lords Rugby Team, Sam Tarry MP added, “We need a national lockdown to save lives, but staying fit and healthy is crucial - we must find a way for accelerated financial support for gyms, and the sports industry so people can follow the iron creed as soon as safely possible.” 

As testament to Grenade's stance, on Tuesday the UK's leading performance nutrition brand published an open letter to Boris Johnson, detailing their concern, and have urged the public to rally against the government, using the hashtag #KeepGymsOpen and by signing a growing petition that (at the time of writing) has secured more than half a million signatures.

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Notes to editors

'Prevent gyms closing due to a spike in Covid 19 cases' petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/333869 

For further images, information or interview requests please contact: 

James Rowe, PR & Comms Manager, james.rowe@grenade.com, 07832 478 872 

About Grenade

Grenade is the market leading sports performance and active nutrition brand, offering a selection of award winning high protein, low sugar products including bars, brownies, shakes, capsules and apparel.

Founded in 2009 by husband and wife team Alan and Juliet Barratt, Grenade exports to more than 100 countries, and was named as one of the UK's fastest growing companies, featuring in The Sunday Times' Fast Track Top 100 for 6 years consecutive years from 2014. Grenade is headquartered in Solihull, West Midlands.