Elite Contender owner Damien Smith is relieved his gym can 'finally' reopen

Elite Contender has been closed since August 6.

In Premier Daniel Andrews' press conference on Sunday he announced indoor non-contact fitness, which included gyms, could resume with COVIDsafe practices in place.

Mr Smith said, along with his staff, were looking forward to welcoming back existing and new members to the gym.

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"Some of the restrictions are questionable," he said.

"The density rules around one person per eight square metres does make it a bit tough but it's manageable.

"Last time it was at one person for every four - so it will look a bit different."

It's been a long 2020 for Mr Smith - moving locations, opening new gyms and putting his efforts and finances into the business.

Mr Smith said he was unable to receive any financial support in government grants because of his in-eligibility.

"It was frustrating," he said.

"So it's great to be able to open the doors and finally get things moving along again."

PREVIOUSLY: 'Hard pill to swallow': Stawell Elite Contender gym owner Damien Smith frustrated with no clear outcome

Mr Smith said when he opened for about three weeks in July, members were very considerate of the density rules in place.

"We'll be trying to police the capping and it will take assistance from members being a 24/7 gym," he said.

"We want to have the gym available for all hours for our members, not just staffed hours.

"Last time most members were really good and when they walked in they would do a count and then come back if the gym was close to its limits.

"People were really grateful to be back in the gym. Last time no one got upset that they had to wait to get in so we could keep under the density restrictions and I'm hoping it's the same this time."

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