How far can I travel to exercise? Rules for keeping fit during England's Covid lockdown

People in England have been told to stay at home for four weeks with limited exceptions in an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus – one of those exceptions is to leave the house for outdoor exercise.

Despite icy conditions across much of the country, many are now looking to pick up where they left off at the end of last lockdown, restarting a walking, running or cycling routine.

There are, however, limitations to where one can exercise while the third lockdown is in force.

Here’s what you need to know.

In what circumstances can I leave the house for sport?

Government advice stipulates that “you should minimise time spent outside your home, but you can leave your home to exercise.”

A person can exercise outside if they are by themselves, with people they live with, with their support bubble, in a childcare bubble, or with one person from one other hosuehold.

When around other people, participants are encouraged to stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household - meaning the people you live with - or your support bubble. Where this is not possible, stay 1 metre apart with extra precautions (like wearing a face covering).

How far can I travel?

Current lockdown rules say that exercise must take place within the participant’s local area.

No exact distance has been specified by the government.

Which sports can I participate in?

The UK government states that permitted outdoor exercise includes but is not limited to running, cycling, walking, and swimming.

Personal training can continue one-on-one unless everyone is within the same household or support bubble.

Tennis courts, golf course and public swimming pools have all been asked to close during the lockdown period.