Lorelle Lewis among Horsham's gym enthusiasts eager to return

Gyms across the Wimmera reopened on Monday, and Mrs Lewis was one of many making a swift return to Snap Fitness Horsham after the COVID-19 restrictions eased.

"It's just fantastic to be back," Mrs Lewis said.

"I have been waiting for this for months."

Mrs Lewis said it had been challenging to maintain regular exercise while gyms were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs Lewis said working irregular hours at a supermarket and battling an ice-cold winter made it difficult to find a routine.

"With work being so busy, it's hard to keep it up outside of the gym," she said.

"I work night shifts and often don't get out until 7pm, so it's cold and not very safe at that hour to go for a walk.

"That's why I like Snap Fitness and the gym; it's safe, the hours are so flexible, and you can come and go as you please."

Mrs Lewis however will have to book in for her sessions at the gym for the foreseeable future, with a maximum of 20 patrons allowed in the facility at any given time.

Snap Fitness Horsham club manager Jacqui Monro said it was an enthusiastic response to reopening.

"We had a line this morning out the front of the gym for the 10am timeslot - it's really good to be back and see the members again," she said.

"We have a booking system in place where members need to book their slots. It's just to ensure that during our peak times - which is 6am and 5pm - that those who intend to train, can.

"We were at about 50 per cent capacity for opening and we are at around 70 per cent at 6am for the rest of this week.

"It's nice to see people booking in and keen to return."

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Anytime Fitness in Horsham also reopened on Monday, while the Horsham Aquatic Centre remained closed and was working on a return date.

In addition to restrictions on numbers, gyms have to maintain a high level of sanitation, including cleaning three times a day.

Patrons must also bring their own towel and water bottle to the gym.

Ms Monro said while she was hoping restrictions would soon ease, the business remained financially viable under current restrictions.

"As long as members are happy to use the booking system and just work out when it's convenient, I think from a business sense we'll be okay," she said.

"We're still offering the same service, it's just a little bit restricted in terms of when they can train, whereas previously they could have come in whenever they had wanted.

"The members are really happy to remain compliant - we all want the gyms open."

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