IT'S NOT the norm, but Tamworth's fitness fanatics have rejoiced as several local groups have adapted to business, in a new world.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Normally pumping iron in the gym, one such group taking advantage has been Fit2Function, which begun hosting bootcamps on Monday.
Fit2Function's Adam Brook said the turnout to this week's sessions had "gone over and above" his expectations.
"We were always hopeful and confident we would get a good turnout when we came back," he said.
"However, we have had to adapt to hosting simultaneous bootcamps at either end of the oval, which is allowed under the guidelines.
"The reason for that is the numbers have far exceeded what we thought we would get initially, which is great."
Read Also:
Thanks to an easing of social-distancing measures, the state's guidelines allow for groups of 10 to gather outside for fitness sessions, while participants still practice social distancing.
Mr Brook said adapting to the restrictions was key to ensuring his business stayed afloat.
"It certainly was tough at the start," he said.
"The biggest thing for us was to make the adjustments as soon as we could for our members.
"We were told we had to close on a Monday afternoon and by the following day we were up and hosting classes online.
"It was tough and I think we did lose a bit of business at the time, but we are really lucky to have a lot of members willing to stick by us."
Restrictions surrounding fitness groups are expected to be eased even further when the state government moves to the next stage of its exit strategy.
"I think doing these bootcamps now has us really well placed to hit the ground running whenever the guidelines change again," Mr Brook said.
"Hopefully our current members are enjoying it and it might encourage some new ones to get involved."
Another Tamworth fitness group adjusting to the guidelines has been Kangatraining, which has moved all of its services online.
Kangatraining instructor Brooke Carrington said the "mums and bubs" group's online sessions had been well received.
"We started doing online workouts a few weeks ago and our members have really been enjoying them," she said.
"It's provided a good break in the day for a lot of our mothers, who haven't been able to get out much.
"Of course, we would love to be able to host some outdoor group sessions, but the guidelines don't make it feasible for us right now.
"We're hopeful the next easing of restrictions will allow us to gather in groups, but in the meantime, we will continue to adapt and host online classes."