Excitedly, Melbourne is finally coming out of lockdown and opening up. It’s been a gruelling 2021 for a lot of us here down under, even in other states. For most of us, lockdown definitely threw a couple of challenges our way when it came to our usual fitness routines. Facilities were closed, new restrictions put in place, and we were no longer able to access the usual gym equipment we were so used to prior. Some of us were able to adapt our workouts to whatever we had at home, and for others, it meant taking a hiatus from our routines indefinitely. Without weights, barbells and all the good stuff within our grasp, maintaining the same strength levels and muscle is nearly impossible. AND THAT IS OKAY. There has been plenty more important things to worry about. However, now that gyms are opening up again, we will soon be able to return to all that equipment, and move back into our regular routines we have missed so much. Being able to restart and get back into it is serving as a great motivation for many. So with all that motivation, positive attitude and eagerness building…how do we go about easing back into routine and gaining our strength back? Well, here are some tips to get you started on the right track… (Even if the lockdowns did not affect you this year, there are definitely some great takeaway points in here worth reading - especially if you’re beginning to get back into a solid routine or have set some new fitness goals!)