FOLIMA'S Boxing and Fitness could not have foreseen closing its newly-opened gym but it's more than prepared to keep clients engaged for the second induction of stage three coronavirus restrictions.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Owner Alison Folima, who runs the business with her husband Chris, said the move from their old gym at the indoor tennis centre on Mortlake Road to the Gateway business park on Jenkins Street had been in the works for more three years.
She said they opened up their new space to clients three weeks ago and had been running their normal kids, group boxing and strength and conditioning sessions since.
Listen to this week's edition of The Standard's football podcast - The Main Break
READ MORE:
But the honeymoon period has come to an abrupt end with regional Victoria re-entering stage three restrictions at 11.59pm on Wednesday, forcing them to adapt once again.
Gyms across the south-west will be shut for the second time this year on Thursday as part of the restrictions but one-on-one sessions are allowed.
Folima said they would shift to one-on-one and same household sessions outside of their gym with interest already high.
"We did learn a lot last time and we won't do much virtual stuff and we will just stay focused on mainly on personal training," she said.
"Our clients prefer it that way and we will do what they prefer. They didn't do virtual as much last time.
"We have only just opened bookings as we were waiting for clarification on how we could go about it and already we have got a lot of interest in our PT sessions."
Folima said the response from their client base about the new gym had been very positive.
"They love it and say it's very nice and welcoming, has got a good feel and atmosphere about it," she said.
"It's not a space for us but for all our clients. It is their home away from home."
The business has also seen an increase in its members.
"Obviously with us being open we still had restrictions in place with 10 clients per group and restrictions in the gym but our numbers have definitely grown," Folima said.
"There is a good mix of new faces and old faces around."
A number of south-west gyms and fitness business such as Anytime Fitness, Warrnambool 24/7, Rudy's Boxing, Momentum Fitness and Curves are shutting their doors temporarily due to the stage three restrictions.
Snap Fitness is hopeful of keeping its members engaged during its closure by offering free online workouts and resources.
Lyndo's Boxing is also closing but has a number of personal trainers prepared for the transition to one-on-one sessions with clients.
Outdoor fitness sessions can be completed at the parks and public spaces which are closest to their home.
Physical distancing and proper hygiene must be observed. Masks are to be worn unless doing strenuous exercise like jogging, running or cycling but not walking.
If the exercise performed is low intensity, masks must be worn. Masks are to be worn before and after the session as well.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.