Gyms and leisure centres look set to reopen from July “at the earliest” following a Government announcement – and fitness fanatics in Cumbria have been revealing how they are staying active despite the lockdown.

Leisure centres, gyms and other fitness activities are set to resume from “the start of July at the very earliest", culture, media and sport secretary Oliver Dowden announced on Wednesday during the Government’s daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing.

Fitness fanatics have been giving their reaction.

Michael Quirk of Eat Train Live at Lillyhall said: “We’ve been working towards that as a goal.”

The club has resumed work on setting up a new facility on Clay Flatts Industrial Estate.

Jill Armstrong, from Allonby, has been cycling every day as well as taking part in online fitness classes from Xtreme Fitness, based in Lillyhall. She said: “Thanks to the gym, I’ve managed to stay on track with my fitness and food planning.”

Just Grind Strength and Conditioning, which is normally based at Just Grind MMA and Fitness Centre in Workington, has kept its clients fit and strong by holding classes over Zoom, adapting to the temporary closure of the martial arts gym. Fighters from the club, as well as powerlifters and fitness clients, have trained under the watchful eye of coach Dave Straughton, who said: “It’s just gone from strength to strength.”

Victoria Hewitt has been taking part in virtual sessions held by Laura McKenzie, owner of Laura’s Fitness Academy in Cockermouth.

She said: “I do not think Laura recognises how much she has done for us ladies, but I want to thank her for everything! Laura you are one in a million.”

After seeing how the professionals do it, swimmer Scarlett Robinson, 11, of Whitehaven has been practising in her back garden thanks to a tether set up in a swimming pool.

Another of Laura’s clients, Bryony Nicholls added: “I feel I know everyone in the group yet, I haven’t even met most of them, Laura deserves recognition for all her hard work I can’t thank her enough.”