Going To the Gym In Covid-19 Times

There is no one answer that fits all, except for the mantra: Reduce risks wherever you can while at the gym. That, my friend, is the game today.

That said, many gyms are reopening to stringent guidelines and with in-gym monitors to make sure occupants comply in a friendly manner. They are all different because the capacity and what they offer are all different. While they usually have similar machines and weights, their location is different, the numbers differ for availability, and so on.

Many gyms now deactivate machines in order to create a 6 ft. space around it, which is the minimum needed. Gyms now have reduce capacity, some by 50% less and require you to check in via their app. Gyms now try to direct the flow of your workout to some extant, which is silly, and most will not follow it.

There are some key things you can do to reduce your risk:

• Take a small bottle of sanitizer and use it before and after handling things
• Sanitize the equipment with the spray and towel gyms provide before and after use
• Keep your distance from others who are breathing in and out heavily, remember the models show the virus can travel 12 ft. from that point, and if you are near the AC vent, it could be carried further
• If the gym is near capacity, try another time or day
• Take a small washcloth to wipe off your own sweat and hands
• Go to the gym when it is just opening or near closing, as these times are not heavily used
• Wear a mask if you feel more safe on low exertion types of exercise and less impact equipment. I would not wear a mask on a treadmill or elliptical or stair step machines!
• Try not to touch your face, nose, or mouth while working out and sweat drips down, use your towel.
• You can also wear tight fitting rubber gloves to reduce risk of contacting the virus (as long as you do not touch your face area)

Remember, studies show that the virus can linger in the air if there is little circulation , so if someone is showing signs, keep your distance and don't rush to the machine they just got off, wait a minute. Lastly, be responsible and not selfish. If you are sick with a cold, have a fever, maybe the flu, coughing on a consistent basis, protect others by not going to the gym!