Today I was asked to collect some belongings my local David Lloyd gym that I’d kept there between visits, and I am devastated. I was greeted by familiar but heart-broken faces, soon to be laid off.

Like so many, part of my self-development is keeping fit and my gym was a stock part of the plan. The scene that greeted me was one of sombre resignation as they helped me collect my belonging form my locker. They were being told to close down and made redundant. I felt like I was saying goodbye to friends, because they were.

This wasn’t a failed company, it was thriving, along with its members, a crucial aspect of people’s lives and well-being. No, my gym is another victim of the enforced quarantine on the general population. There is nothing any of us can do but comply for the greater good of slowing the progress of Covid 19.

We all agree, as did the staff with resigned acceptance of why the government was closing such places, along with pubs, clubs and other large social gatherings. When I left, I randomly shook one man’s hand and we awkwardly laughed, then I took one more look at the unhappy faces behind reception and departed feeling an awful pain of sorrow.

I remain positive that things will return to some normality, but – for now and the foreseeable future – what does that mean for me? How can I keep fit?

It will have to be a home work out plan. I don’t have much other than some dumb -bells and a large exercise ball for ab exercises. I have to make what I have work, and I think I will, because, like most people right now, I’m making do and have to help the greater good.

This will mean sticking to a training regime without the support and guidance form staff at my gym and class instructors, who I took for granted for so long. This will be difficult.

So, here’s to the work ahead. I know I am not the only one converting some space in his home for this purpose.  

Things will get back to normal, but until then, Keep keeping fit.