PERSONAL trainer Matt Russell is bouncing back from lockdown by getting his studio back in action in the safest way possible for his clients.

Matt, 27, from Littleton Pannell, near Devizes, went it alone with his business Devizes Personal Training Studio less than a year before coronavirus struck.

But he managed to get back to some semblance of work much earlier than many after having an outdoor hard standing created to allow one-to-one training to take place.

He said: “I started my journey into the fitness world by doing a personal training apprenticeship eight years ago and following four years employed in a local gym and working up to being manager I decided to branch out myself.”

Four years ago he set up a training studio with a business partner in Folly Road, Devizes. Then in April last yer took over full control and rebranded the business.

He said: “At the studio we provide one-to-one and group personal training as well as classes for all ages and abilities.

“The studio is private and therefore allows clients to feel relaxed and comfortable as they train with no onlookers.

“On March 23rd we had to close in line with the lockdown but I quickly set up online classes and personal training sessions via zoom to allow people to continue training if they wanted too.

“I also loaned equipment to clients to allow them more variety of exercises.

“On May 21st we were given permission to start training clients 1-1 outside as long as government guidelines were followed.

“To help me provide the best service I could Wiltshire Concrete laid a 10m x 5m concrete area outside the gym side door to provide a safe, functional area for clients to train. This attracted new clients and also allowed existing clients to return.”

Finally on July 27 he was given the all clear to start training indoors again.

He said: “This allowed us to offer more to our clients once again. The studio was modified to be Covid-19 secure and we continue to maintain the high standard to keep ourselves and clients safe.”

Fellow Devizes gym owner Zowie Trevena is to hold a massive endurance challenge to help Strongman friend Simon Cooper who was left paralysed after a freak paddling pool accident.

Zowie, who runs Pure Grit, has organised a 24 hours Challenge 1000 on Sunday. Donate at www.gofundme.com/f/simon039s-home-modification-fund?