The past six months or so have been tough for gym-goers. Even for those of us outdoor runners, there are times when the weather is unsavory for our preferred workouts, and hitting the gym would have been the preferred, normal alternative to running. We’d jump on the treadmill, cross-train with some weights, or hit the stationary bike.
That luxury very much vanished when gyms closed. While some have remained closed, others have opened back up. Plenty of people, however, are wary of returning to the gym environment. After all, aren’t gyms veritable Petri dishes of bacteria?
Gyms were not typically characterized by their clean, sterile environments even before COVID-19. Because of these notions, it would be easy to think that going to the gym is a no-go.
Depending on where you are, it might be.
Answering this question can be tricky, but you can rule out the possibility based solely on a few key factors:
Local guidelines and regulations
Sanitation measures taken by the gym
Size of group classes and rooms
Possibility of social distancing
Personal vulnerability/contact with vulnerable populations
Beyond that, what do you do? If you are going to go back to the gym, how do you keep yourself — and others — safe? Here are a few tips:
5 Things to Consider When Returning to the Gym
1) Keep Your Distance
Social distancing is even more important in a gym setting. This is because heavy exertion leads to heavier, more frequent breathing. This in turn can spread droplets of contaminated air and saliva further and in higher volumes. The more intense your workout, the more distance you should allow for between yourself and others.
This means that group exercises are likely out. Spin class, dance classes, and Zumba are probably a no-go (sorry guys!). Even if you’re not the group exercise type, congregating around your buddies while they lift or having a chat at the machine isn’t in your best interests right now. If you go to the gym right now, it’s definitely for exercise — not socialization.
2) Care, Don’t Share
The gym, by nature, shares equipment. This is unavoidable. However, you can limit your sharing by sticking to the same machines, avoiding free weights and other shared equipment, and generously sanitizing the equipment between uses. Your gym should be diligent in cleaning, but go ahead and add on to staff efforts. Bring your own antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer rather than solely relying on the gym’s communal supply. Wipe equipment down before and after use.
3) Pack Accordingly
When you head to the gym, you might need to toss a few extras into your gym bag to ensure that you’re staying as safe as possible. This includes (as I mentioned) your own hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes as well as a mask. If you intend to use free weights, resistance bands, or other equipment that is typically shared, bring your own. This will limit your exposure to germs. Bring your own bottled water and do not use drinking fountains to refill your bottles. Because locker rooms and showers will likely be closed, bring a sweat towel, too. Plan to change, shower, and use the restroom at home.
4) Mask On?
There are some questions about how safe or unsafe it is to exercise while wearing a face covering. While at the gym, you should wear a face mask in three scenarios: during low-intensity exercise, when walking into and out of gym facilities, and moving around the room. It is not advisable to wear a mask indoors during high-intensity exercises.
5) But is it Safe?
I’ll be honest, the verdict is still out and leaning towards “not really.” It’s always, always going to be safer to exercise outdoors, alone or spaced out, rather than in a confined space. Gyms tend to be warm and moist — a hothouse for bacteria. No amount of masking up, sanitizing, or care is going to totally eliminate your risk when you’re in a gym.
Much of the question comes down to your risk tolerance, personal health history, and gym conditions. A gym with more space, fewer people, and other precautions in place (such as screening individuals, scheduling times, or limiting capacity) can help further safeguards.
Have you gone back to the gym? What precautions are you taking to stay safe? Let me know in the comments.