A WORKOUT fan has got inventive to keep up his fitness while gyms are closed due to Covid-19.

Key worker Lee Sifford, from Harwich, would normally go to the gym three or four times a week to stay in shape and let off some steam.

However, since the Government put the nation into lockdown in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, nobody has been able to work up a sweat at a gym.

So Lee, who has spent the past 32 years working for UK Power Networks, decided to take his fitness into his own hands while the outbreak continues.

Unable to get hold of weights to carry out his workouts, he instead fashioned his own out of 15kg sacks of weedkiller he had at home.

He said: “I miss going to the gym three or four times a week, so I’ve taken up running about five miles a day.

“You can’t get hold of weights so I am using unopened 15kg sacks of weedkiller.”

Lee said he is responsible for getting the power back on when a problem occurs across the East, South East, and London.

“We are a team of six shift managers covering 24 hours a day seven days a week sending engineers to restore power quickly and safely, and keep customers informed,” he added.

“The coronavirus has meant many changes, our team has been split across several locations to minimise contact, and a few work from home as they have health conditions.

“We have also changed to a temporary 12-hour shift.”

Lee said the company is communicating with staff in these difficult and tragic times.

He added: “We dress down in the office at the moment and are being supplied with food and drinks, which is a really nice touch and helps keep morale high during such difficult times.

“The spirit and attitude of everyone here has been very positive.

“I think you need to have a positive mindset to get you through all this.

“It does feel like a war-kind of scenario with people all pulling together with a sense of camaraderie.”

n Have you adapted a hobby while you have been at home due to lockdown?

Send us a message to gazette.newsdesk@newsquest.co.uk with your name and age, what you have been able to do in lockdown.