Working from home and spending more time indoors is the new normal – and that has made many of us both less physically active and far too well acquainted with our sofas.

Regular exercise is essential for good health and mental well-being – and we have all discovered, during COVID lockdown, that walking from the home office to the fridge and bathroom a few times a day just doesn’t cut it.

So while Aqua Energy facility is closed under Step 3 restrictions, the centre is pleased to be able to offer a range of outdoor Group Fitness classes again, all conducted in line with the latest state government guidelines.

Aqua Energy’s Outdoor Group Fitness sessions offer weekly pilates, GRITCardio (a 30-minute, high-intensity Les Mills class), vinyasa yoga, and twice-weekly FitHIIT (bodyweight-based cardio).

Classes are available now and are held Monday to Friday at 5.30pm at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex on the hockey pitch.

Participants are encouraged to bring a mat, towel and water, and wear sunscreen and suitable clothes for an outdoor workout.

Those aged 13 to 16 must be accompanied by a participating guardian aged 16 or older.

Cost: $7 per class (EFTPOS only) paid on the evening.

Before attending, participants are asked to clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, and to follow social distancing guidelines at the class.

Residents are asked not to attend if they are unwell or experiencing symptoms of sickness; have, in the past month, travelled overseas or been in contact with someone who has been overseas; or have been in contact with someone who has or is suspected of having COVID-19.

Aqua Energy fitness session classes are limited to 10 people, so be quick to book at aquaenergy.eventbrite.com.

Aqua Energy also still offers a range of virtual fitness classes to do from home. Check them out at bit.ly/AEVirtual.