Gym-goers are likely feeling out of sorts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visiting a gym habitually is one of the best ways to stay in shape, but self-isolation and social distancing procedures are keeping health nuts away from workout facilities. If you are itching to get back into the gym for some much-needed strength training, you may be wondering how to keep yourself safe while still getting a good pump.
Luckily, in this later stage of the coronavirus pandemic, some areas allow gyms to reopen their doors with extra safety precautions. When you get back into the swing of working out, remember to follow some additional steps to ensure your safety at the gym.
Review Local Ordinances
One of the best things to do before entering any public space is to review the laws and restrictions in your area of the world. In some states in the U.S., like Florida and New York, many businesses are still closed due to a high risk of infection. France and Spain are also experiencing the same slow return to normal.
For example, as of August 6th, 2020, gyms in New York, a COVID hotspot, are still closed. However, in a less aggressive area like the UAE, gyms like GymNation are opening back up with more intense sanitization procedures and social distancing rules.
Cleaning Supplies
Another great way to keep yourself safe is by bringing your own cleaning equipment to the gym with you. You can either bring a packet of disinfectant wipes or bring a terry cloth and some disinfectant spray. Before using any of the equipment in the gym, give the surface a thorough wipe down. As a courtesy, you can also wipe the equipment down afterward for the next user. COVID can be transferred over surfaces in addition to through the air, so cleaning up before and after you get on a machine is the best way to prevent transmission.
Social Distancing
People breathe heavier while working out, meaning they are outputting more spit and breath molecules into the air than normal. This means that transmission of COVID can often be higher when people are exercising in the same area. Keeping your distance from people in the gym is even more important than in the grocery store or at work. While 6 feet is usually recommended for public areas, you should try to put a little more distance between you and others when in a gym.
Final Considerations
If you exhibit any symptoms of COVID, like trouble breathing, fatigue, fever, or cough, remain in your home or speak with a doctor. If you do plan on going to a gym or any public space, check your temperature and your symptoms before putting others at risk.
Going to a gym during COVID-19 is a great way to get in shape and get out of the house. During the pandemic, you can still safely visit a workout facility and observe CDC guidelines while doing so. Remember to check your local ordinances for the latest numbers, clean up gym equipment, and keep your distance to stay safe.
Tags: pandemic, quarantine, safety tips
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The gyms are kind of scary places right now. They’re pretty close to being Petri dishes, and it’s only a matter of time before they kick us out again, with the way things are going. This article does great at actions we can take, but I get the feeling home workouts will be in our future. Project Swole and The Toned Woman does a good job of providing some good home workouts.
Best of luck to everybody out there.