THE UK government has recently caused much consternation by announcing a date for pub and restaurant openings among much else, but it was an omission from the unlocking list that gained almost as much coverage - gyms and swimming pools.

This has caused quite some surprise as, for one thing, swimming pools are effectively large tanks of disinfecting chlorinated water and gyms have been clearly illustrating how they can clean, separate, shield and ensure distancing.

And of course people are in gyms for the specific purpose of health and wellbeing and will be highly mindful of doing the right thing.

This is not historically the case in pub and restaurant settings, particularly later into the evenings. But this is the situation for now and it has surprised many, especially considering the importance gyms and leisure centres play in both mental and physical health.

And it’s not like it’s an unsubstantial industry. In fact it’s currently worth £7.7 billion each year in the UK.

Home exercising has become a huge part of the lifestyle change demanded by the last three months. So it hasn’t all been negative!

Previous gym goers and exercise novices alike have been working out at home on a daily basis and following online trainers and classes like never before. I know you are out there!

Although I have recently started to see one-to-one clients outdoors (which has been a wonderful exercise in human connection again), the home looks like being the primary option for a while longer.

So let’s look at some superb exercises you can do. These don’t require much space, any specialist equipment or skills and they are perfectly adaptable for any level starting at the beginner and moving through to advanced.

The beauty is that you can increase the intensity and difficulty levels to suit your progress. These really hit the spot and if you do them properly and consistently, I promise you they will bring results.

So no excuses!

1. Bend down, sit down, get up! This is a global exercise working and stretching: glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps and upper back. Kit required: Something to raise your heels a couple of cms and a low chair bench or step.

With feet wide apart and your heels slightly raised on a ledge, mat or books, straighten your legs and bend forwards as if touching the floor, while hanging down, sit down as if perching on the chair, extend your right arm, then your left arm out in front in a V shape and stand up. Repeat from the start x6

2. Single leg touch downs. This is great for stabilising knee strength and balancing quadricep strength. Kit required: A ledge or step.

Stand on one leg on a step, sideways on with the toes facing directly ahead. Take both arms out to the side, Staying perfectly upright and slowly bend the supporting knee, take 2 seconds down, two seconds up x10 each side

3. Bear Cub Crawl. Works shoulders, thighs and mid-section. Kit required: Hands and knees.

On hands and knees at a right angle beneath you, place the toes down for grip and raise the knees 2 cms off the ground. Push down the outside of your hand into the floor and hold 15 seconds. Then move forward a few crawls and back, then sideways and back.

For video reference go to www.youtube/joeybull and look for ‘This week’s moves’