Warrnambool's Rob Allen relishing return to Iron Armour Gym after coronavirus restrictions ease

The Iron Armour Gym powerlifter maintained training in his shed - using both borrowed and owned equipment - through the coronavirus-forced shutdown.

Gyms were among the first to close as coronavirus concerns forced authorities to act in March but easing restrictions allowed fitness centres across the state to reopen on Monday.

"At home, you can put your own music on and there's no one else out there so I can just talk to myself and be crazy," he laughed.

"But certainly coming back and having a nice, clean space and having all the equipment I need is a bonus.

"It's warm here too - my shed was freezing. I have three little kids and when you're at home, training gets pushed to the side a bit."

Allen, 39, found powerlifting just three years ago.

It's been a match made in heaven.

"I found it very late on, I suppose," he said.

"I train four days a week, which are usually two to three hour sessions.

"I usually have two heavy days and two light days. There's lots of mucking around with bits of equipment and heavy weights."

For Allen, the mental benefits are equal to the physical benefits.

"One of the reasons I initially started training was to funnel (energy) somewhere," he said.

"You have your anxieties and stresses and you just get that endorphin release.

"I very quickly fell in love with lifting heavy weights when I started training.

"It's kind of the ultimate test of your body. I love pushing myself to the limit."

The Warrnambool-based delivery driver said he was planning for competitions expected within the next three months.

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