Gillingham midfielder Olly Lee has discovered a new way to keep in shape.

The loanee from Hearts has recently taken up yoga and he’s already feeling the benefits.

“I didn’t think that would be for me but I have really got into it,” said the 28-year-old.

“Our fitness coach Jamma (James Russell) sent a few things through and I have tried them out, I thought why not? It is something I have really enjoyed.

“I have been giving that a go to hopefully get a bit more supple.

“It’s early days but it has been really good, I have only been doing it for two weeks now but my body feels better for it.

“I am no spring chicken anymore and if I can get ahead of the game then it might help me out.”

The Gills haven’t trained as a group for six weeks and face another fortnight, at least, keeping fit by themselves.

“It has been a strange time for everyone but we are getting through it and hope for some good news sooner rather than later,” said midfielder Lee.

“I can’t sit around for too long or I get bored, I have been doing runs in the morning and then a family work-out as well.

“I have a two and a half year-old boy who keeps me occupied too. It has actually been hard work being off!”

Lee is currently living at home with his parents. His dad Rob played for Charlton and had a decade at Newcastle.

Olly’s loan move to the Gills was initially only for three months so he and his family moved into his parents’ Essex home. That deal at Priestfield was extended in January and they’ve been there during the lockdown.

“It made sense but I don’t think my parents are too happy about it now!” he joked.

“Obviously being together this long does get hard for everyone but it is nice to have a helping hand with the little man and to be close to the family.

“A lot of people are in scenarios that are not ideal but you have to get on with the hand you have been dealt and make it as positive as possible.

“My old man’s knee gives way a bit now but I get him out for a little two-touch every now and then, but it is more chasing the little man around and trying to slide tackle him really!

“Dad is getting better. Me and him have been putting on little circuits for everyone, it keeps it entertaining, Jamma the sports scientist has been brilliant and he has been sending things over for everyone in the squad and he has helped me with a few individual bits as well, so that’s been great.

“I think my dad is getting fitter and fitter, it might not be long before we have a game with him. The little man is very good though, I don’t want to big him up too early, but he is decent and a little lefty, so he has a chance! He always has a football with him but as long as he is happy, I am happy.”

Like everyone, it’s a waiting game to see if this season is restarted, something Lee wants to see.

“The body is feeling good and I am desperate to get back to it,” he said. “I miss every part, just getting out of the house! I drive in from Essex and used to moan about that but I would love to do that right now! It would be brilliant to be sat in the queue at the crossing, nothing better!

“I miss being around the lads every day and having that game on the Saturday, so many things you take for granted. My old man always tells me you should enjoy every moment because he misses it and would love to be playing.

“For some people it’s been a way of stepping back and realising how good you have got it and how lucky you are to play football and represent your club. Once the football comes back I can’t wait to get back to it.

“I think we will be rusty when we go back, there will be a few dodgy touches, but it’s second nature and it does come back quick. We will need a couple of training sessions with the lads to get that sharpness.

“It has been a terrible situation for everyone and it has put into light how football is nowhere near as important as what is going on but there will be football in the future and we need to play and get this season done, get it ended, look forward and be positive.

“For everyone involved, the sooner we get back and the games done the better.

“It would be brilliant but we have to think of the bigger picture at the minute, people’s health and safety comes first.”

More on the Gills;

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Gills boss backs regionalised league system

Club keeping tabs on the non-league scene