Gyms across the state closed from 11.59pm on Thursday night as coronavirus restrictions were re-introduced to curb a current outbreak of the virus.

Gyms could open next week or earlier if parts or all of regional Victoria is excluded from the current COVID lockdown, according to Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton.

Warrnambool 24/7 gym owner Stuart Roe said he was frustrated and shattered about the return of restrictions.

"We're struggling ourselves as owners. We invest a lot into our gyms and we sort of just go a bit numb. We are floundering and praying it's only the seven days so we can get back on track," he said.

Snap 24/7 Warrnambool club manager Lachlan Hewlett accepted the return of restrictions.

"It's a necessary thing we have do to keep everyone safe so we're happy to shut the gym to avoid the spread of it," he said.

"From a business standpoint and fitness side of things we don't want it to close at the current time but we do what we have to do."

Lyndo's Boxing Gym owner Lyndon Edney hoped the lockdown ended next week and said it gave his members time to recharge.

"We'll survive through it and we're keeping close contact with our members as we've got a Facebook group and put a lot of content up for our members to do workouts at home," he said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:

"That proved really important last time when we were only allowed to do outdoor personal training. This time we'll see out the week and let everyone recharge their batteries and come back, hopefully, without too many restrictions.

"If face masks and limited numbers are back in place we're prepared for it. We've got a good community and we'll all keep in contact and keep harassing each other with work-out ideas."

Mr Hewlett said he was eager to welcome members back when lockdown ended.

"After the last circuit-breaker, which was five days, this is the same pattern so hopefully this (lockdown) breaks it and we can get back into what we enjoy," he said.

"I wasn't around (in Warrnambool) for the larger period of lockdown but happy to have the circuit-breaker again and then get the gym back into full swing."

READ MORE:

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.