Please find below an updated version of the guide, providing an overview of exercise restriction measures across Europe as of 10 September 2021. The guide is updated on a monthly basis.
The European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA) publishes a monthly guide on exercise restriction measures across Europe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It covers the national situations of the 27 Member States of the EU as well as the United Kingdom. The aim is to keep the guide up to date with political developments. As some governments have started easing lockdown in Europe while others have remained more cautious, ESSNA believes this guide provides a useful overview of the various national situations, informing both consumers and businesses of the various situations across the continent.
Currently, gyms and indoor sports facilities are generally open throughout the EU and the UK, with most EU Member States requiring gym-goers to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to gain access to these facilities. The practice of group exercise outdoors is also largely permitted across all countries. When it comes to the hosting of professional sports events, most countries continue to have restrictions on venue capacity and asking attendees to show a ‘vaccine certificate’ or negative test. Changes to note include the fact that some countries where vaccination rates are particularly high (i.e. Denmark and Sweden) have lifted – or are planning to lift in the next few weeks – all restrictions to exercise and sporting events. On the other hand, countries, where vaccination programs proceed at a slower pace (i.e. Romania and Bulgaria), have introduced tougher restrictions or banned access to gym and sporting facilities in certain instances.
As this is a broad and dynamic document, we encourage you to check the specific rules of local authorities before making any decision.
For more information, please contact Laura Contin via info@essna.com.
The ESSNA website also hosts other resources, such as its beginner’s guide to sports nutrition and links to other resources such as our Watch Your Protein guide and Dos and Don’ts of sports nutrition. This material is designed to assist by outlining the most effective and safe ways to stay fit and healthy, written by a wide range of experts from the sports nutrition sector.