Exercise class instructors are ‘over the moon’ to be getting the class dynamic back as lockdown restrictions ease.

The Prime Minister announced last week that the country will be looking to move to phase three of the lockdown meaning indoor exercise classes will be able to return.

Blair Read, a yoga instructor from Great Harwood, is looking forward to getting back to in-person classes next week as she believes that, in keeping with the ethos of yoga, having a group around you gives a better energy to a class.

Blair said: “It’s definitely the light at the end of the tunnel.

“All my students are very excited. We will be social distancing in class like last summer.

“I can’t wait. It’s such a difference from sitting in front of a video camera "It’s completely different than that energetic exchange you can have with the students.”

Blair, who runs Live Yoga in her home town, has been teaching online through lockdown but had a brief period when lockdown eased over the summer that she was able to host in-person classes.

The class schedule will now see mostly in-person classes but for those who are still more anxious about being out, Blair will keep two classes online.

She added: “I’ve noticed some people are a lot less fit than they were last year and some have gained weight.

“Coming back next week is going to be a big relief for some people.

“I am going to be starting a bit more gentle with focus on relaxation and meditation which seems like what people are after following this stressful year.”

Blackburn class-based gym, Fit Mill, has been open since April 12 however only individual exercise has been allowed.

Owner Nick Talbot, 44, is looking forward to getting back to normal and running classes again next week.

He said: “I was over the moon to be able to open again but to now be able to open but to be able to do stuff properly and do it the way my members love doing it is fantastic news.

“It’s getting people back to that normality.

“I felt in the gym over the past month everyone has been really happy but when they are able to get back to those classes and those groups they are going to be so happy.”

During the past five weeks, the gym has been open but Nick and his team have set up individual circuits around the gym.

Now that they will be able to bring back classes, the members, and instructors, can get back into their normal exercise routine.

Nick added: “I think I have had another three people join the gym last night. Recovery is going very well.

“I have had a massive amount of enquiries from people as well.”