LOCAL fitness centres are rejoicing after being given the green light to resume business.
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One such centre will be the Tamworth Dance Academy, which principal Kellie Singh said had to recently host boot camps in its carpark to meet the social-distancing requirements.
"When everything started to close down way back in March, we started planning to hold classes on Zoom," Ms Singh told the Leader.
"Since then, we are up to week nine or 10 of being completely online.
"However, when it was announced outdoor boot camps were allowed, we started having some of our competition teams do boot camps in the carpark.
"We have adjusted as we have gone along, but this latest easing of restrictions is most certainly welcome."
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Pink Fitness Battalion owner Sami Rigby said the easing of restrictions was a major boost for her clients' physical and mental health.
"I think it is more important from a mental health standpoint, because I feel like that is where a lot of people have suffered during this lockdown," Ms Rigby said.
"The gym is a place for you to connect, have friendships and exercise is so good for mental health.
"I've been doing 14 Zoom classes a week since everything shut down and while they have been good, nothing really beats being around people."
Under the new guidelines, classes will be restricted to 10 participants, while a maximum of 100 will be allowed at indoor venues.
"The numbers are not ideal and are not back to how we would normally run, but it's something we can work at," Ms Singh said.
"We have been very lucky to be in close contact with the dance community of other states that have already returned to classes.
"That has allowed us to have a couple of weeks or so to get ourselves organised to return.
"We are honestly all so very excited and can't wait to be back together indoors again."
Ms Rigby said the restrictions would suit her all-female fitness classes.
"We are pretty much set up for 10 all the time, so it is perfect for us," she said.
"I know a lot of our girls are really excited to get back into it and I for one can't wait to be together in person again.
"It's really very exciting."
