FITNESS fanatics are thrilled to return to group classes after months of exercising alone.

From Monday (May 17), indoor group exercise classes will be back after Boris Johnson gave the green light for the next stage of the lockdown roadmap.

Anytime Fitness in Witham said the move is another positive step to the timetable.

Gyms were first permitted to reopen on April 12 but were not permitted to start classes.

But, thanks to the further easing of restrictions, group classes can resume.

Club manager Jay said: "“Classes are an important part of many of our members’ routines both for the physical health benefits as well as the social element too, which is more important than ever given the past year.

"Our classes are like small families and communities in themselves, and our team can’t wait to get back to instructing again.

The independently owned gym will be ensuring there are no back-to-back classes so deep cleaning can take place between classes.

“The most important thing is to be able to keep everyone safe as we resume our classes.

"So, for the time being, we will have a limit on capacity to ensure social distancing and also ensure all mats and equipment are deep cleaned between classes."