A SECOND national lockdown has just started, non-essential shops and leisure centres have been forced to close their doors to help slow down the spread of coronavirus.

The Oxford Mail asked you if gyms should be able to open during lockdown and this is what you said...

Tamara Garippa: "We are in lockdown, the gyms are closed (because according to someone they are not essential), but the amount of people I see walking around in groups, when I go to work is impressive. I did not think there were so many people in Oxford."

James Sparks: "Yes. But in a world where 'them' and 'us' exists so strongly then it has to be no. We can't have nice things without people banging on about their rights, so we all sink to the lowest common denominator."

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Karen Thornett: "Local leisure centres should stay open. They are so important for mental and physical health.

"My daughters swimming lessons which are held in a local leisure centre are also a life skill which is part of education and child safety so should not be stopped."

She added: "It is causing many children to lose their confidence in the water. It is the same with children’s indoor gymnastics.

"The pool and the gymnastics club have gone to enormous length to make things safe, it should not be closed unless there are clearly identified risks or concerns which have arisen there. Valuable community services just closed. Not helpful at all."

Mark Gardner: "Yes they should be open along with outdoor sports. Mental health issues and physical activity wellbeing is vital."

Andy Morris: "I've never been to the gym in my life and do not intend to start, but I hate the idea of any business being forced to close, so yes they should be allowed to stay open."

Paul Curtis: "Yes, lockdown is supposed to be lockdown. Anything non essential should be closed or we are never going to stop this virus spreading, we'll just end up with the same scenario again in January."

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Teresa White: "Yes. Without a doubt. I have felt more safe at the gym than most places.

"Everyone social distancing, anti bac spray is available to clean all equipment after use. Its good to stay fit and healthy during this time."

Kayleigh Kayleigh: "May as well because you would not think we are on lockdown judging by the amount of people out and about. Ridiculous."

Paul Dance: "I am not a gym user and can understand why they are closed but they are valuable for mental health so should be on a booking system.

"Do not get me started on grassroots football. It should never have stopped, it keeps children engaged and fit and its outside."

Kathryn Belcher: "No, you can exercise at home for the four weeks. I'm running a at home bootcamp next week for free for anyone that is missing the gym."

Angela Spiby: "I do use the gym five days a week but no I do not think they should be open.

"I know they are as clean as possible but I have still seen people not wiping equipment."

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Karen Wilkins: "I have not been to the gym since the pandemic hit. Or the previous 38 years leading up to it."

Joshua Cherry: "Yes - remaining fit and healthy is one of the best ways to maintain a strong immune system. Good fitness is a solution not a problem. Watching TV and ordering too many takeaways should not be the ‘new normal’."

James Mills: "Need I remind everyone that it is entirely possible to get all the exercise you need in your home, alone, or outside away from other people."

Andy Brown: "Yes but it won’t happen, because if you open one thing you’ll have to open everything."