Far North Queenslanders keen to keep pumping iron during lockdown are getting their reps in, thanks to a crafty Cairns boilermaker.
Squat racks, benches and chin-up bars were not products Robert Toombs had built before the coronavirus shutdown.
But the busy tradie says he has worked every day since the outbreak, welding workout equipment for home gyms across the tropics — including for Olympic basketball star Cayla George.
"It's really blown up," Mr Toombs said.
"I've made a lot of squat racks.
"I'm selling about three squat racks each week and I've still got four in stock."
After turning his tape measure to making exercise gear, Mr Toombs said a Cairns personal trainer posted pictures of the finished product on social media.
The post led to more referrals, including for dip bars and cable stirrups, forcing the skilled worker to consult online tutorials.
"It took a little while but it was pretty easy in the end," he said.
"I've made a fair few other little bits and pieces for people since then too.
"The squat racks I make are bolted together but they are time consuming.
"Generally, they take about four days to make and then a day to paint and dry."
Trainer turns to tradie
Trainer Al Nuttall said he chose to fit out his home gym with Mr Toombs' custom-made steel products after finding cupboards bare at sports stores across Far North Queensland.
"I knew I wasn't going to be able to find a squat rack in Cairns," Mr Nuttall said.
"When I looked online I realised I was probably going to wait six or seven weeks for anything I ordered.
"Because I used to be a boilermaker by trade, I knew Rob might be able to help us out.
"The fact that we've been able to train ourselves at home has been a godsend.
"We were rapt and posted a photo on Instagram up and it went from there."
While Mr Toombs said he had enjoyed the new challenge, he did not expect to be making gym equipment once COVID-19 restrictions eased.
"I'd like to," he said.
"But once people can get back to the gym I reckon that'll be it."
Last week Prime Minister Scott Minister announced that gyms are slated to reopen after June 12 as part of the Government's Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia.
