WIMMERA gym junkies rushed to pump out one last set on Monday morning morning before gyms across the nation were closed indefinitely from noon.
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Along with pubs, cinemas, churches, and other "non-essential" businesses, fitness centres across the Wimmera were shut as the federal government enacted a Stage 1 shutdown to help contain the spread of coronavirus.
In Stawell, the North Grampians Shire Council made the decision last week to close its Sports and Aquatic Centre, pre-empting a larger shut-down of venues where people gather.
Head of active communities at council Emma Gray said the decision caught some gym-goers off side, but had since been accepted as a necessary move.
"We have a lot of older people and younger people at SSAC and we just weren't willing to risk having those two age demographics together in the gym," she said.
As a personal trainer, Ms Gray said it was important for people to find ways to keep active during this time of isolation.
"I would suggest people still go about their normal routines of walking their dog, things like that, and to use social media to check in with people," she said.
"I'd highly recommend people still get out there and get fresh air, keep moving, walking, running, whatever it might be, and maintaining that social connection by posting videos or sending a message to keep each other accountable."
Gyms across the region are finding ways to beam innovative workout sessions into people's homes through social media.
"We'll put out some challenges that aren't traditional exercises, like seeing how many basketball dribbles you can do in a minute - fun things that encourage people to not just sit behind their computer or TV," Ms Gray said.
Personal trainer at Stawell Fitness 24-7 Georgia McDermott said she would find ways to run 'virtual classes' through Zoom calls.
"Our health is the most important thing right now to boost immunity, so people need that accountability, even if it's in their own homes," she said.
"We can still do online coaching, even if we can't get to people face to face."
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