Many gym customers who regularly work away from their home club, find the rigid operational procedures enforced by public sector gym operators prevent them from enjoying exercise.

Julia Rawlings' recent article in ‘Health Club Management’ alluded to the frustrating problems experienced by many people who travel the country with their work, who wish to exercise at the local health and fitness club, only to be told they cannot use the gym unless they have an induction.

Staff use the common reason of ‘health and safety’ to refuse entry, yet I suspect if challenged, they would struggle to justify their reasons. This really frustrates me, as running a health and safety consultancy business myself, I find the approach inexcusable in times where we need to engage with our customers and encourage active participation.

Operators should do more to educate their staff properly to understand the practical application of health and safety regulation in the UK, and the interface with participation. In these times of trying to maximise income and encourage participation this mindset is draconian. Opportunities are being missed to increase revenue and reduce obesity.

Of course, it is the operator's duty to provide a safe environment and to comply not only with UK legislation but the conditions applied by their insurers. However, an operator's mindset should be solution-based, rather than using ‘health and safety’ as an excuse to hide behind.