Gyms frustrated, return to digital training, in lockdown

Mudgee's Anytime Fitness manager Ashleigh Keevers said they had partnered up with Anytime Fitness Australia to offer a free online training hub where people can sign up and take part in quick workouts via zoom call.

"Our goal is just to be around and be there for people, they were behind us in the first lockdown so we just want to repay that favour," she said.

She and CountryFit Gym owner Glenn Maynard agreed there was a cloud of uncertainty over the latest lockdown - with Deputy Premier John Barilaro already signalling a 50-50 of it going longer than a week.

"We share a lot of the same concerns, we just don't know how long it's going to go on for so we're just trying to be prepared as best we can for the worst case scenario."

Mr Maynard said last year they had been able to loan equipment out to people and adapt to digital training, but they just didn't have the time to prepare.

"Last time we were able to hire out some equipment, but we're not going to do that this time because of the uncertainty, though I all but guarantee it will be more than one week," he said.

"The lockdown came up at 5pm on Saturday, but it was only announced about 3 or 4 in the afternoon, one of us had to go in and literally lock the door."

Ms Keevers said they had been watching the situation in Dubbo and figured a lockdown was inevitable, but agreed the announcement left them little time to prepare.

"We're trying to keep our heads above water as best we can and stay positive," she said.

Ms Keevers said gyms and training had been a critical social outlet last year once the doors were able to open so they were doing what they could to provide training and outreach.

"We want to be able to keep everyone connected."

Mr Maynard said he found the daily press conferences frustrating and turned the TV off.

"We're angry and confused," he said. "there is no common sense or black and white, they contradict themselves, one day they say something and the next it's completely different," he said.

He said he felt for the many business owners who have been forced to shut their doors, and was tired of political point-scoring.

"From the day it started last year they [politicians] say 'we're in this together let's make it happen', but they're not sacrificing their livelihoods, it's our families, our businesses and our mental health that are suffering and they've not lost a cent.

"It's not that easy for us, I've owned my own place for 33 years and the hardest thing has been being told to 'shut the door'.

"I'd have more respect for them if they stood up and said 'we know people are doing it tough so let's halve our income and help those who have nothing' but they don't give a crap - it's all political or monetary gain for them."

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