Like any great parent, you want to keep yourself and your kids healthy—even during the standstill winter season. One of the hardest things for many people about coronavirus and the lockdowns put in place has been the interruption to their gym and fitness routines. “More and more people are looking for ways to better their holistic health, and many of those individuals have had to get creative with at-home exercise regimens,” says Start With Real, a weight loss clinic Atlanta.
For people who prefer to work out in a gym where they have access to all the equipment they need, this has been a real challenge. While there are many at-home workouts that can be incredibly helpful at keeping the body moving, nothing can replace having access to heavy weights and all the other aspects of a solid workout. For many people going to the gym and doing a fun workout is the best way to start their day, so when they don’t have that, it can really mess up their productivity.
The good news is, some businesses are starting to reopen, and that includes gyms, so we should be able to get back to our normal daily routines and safely get a good workout in. The problem is for many people, the idea of being in a crowded, sweaty gym doesn’t sound all that safe, but the truth is, if you take the right steps you can work out at a gym and not put yourself at risk. Here are a few tips for navigating the gym in a coronavirus world so that you can still keep fit and healthy while also adhering to the safety regulations and recommendations.
Wear a Breathable Mask
Most gyms have made it a requirement that attendees wear a mask while using their facilities. It’s important to wear a mask that still allows you to breathe and not feel like your breath is being impaired. For instance, a kn95 face mask which will protect you and protect others, while still allowing you to breathe comfortably. Check out this list of the most breathable masks for working out.
Avoid Peak Times
The most important precautions you can take going to the gym during this time are ones that you have control over. Here’s a simple one. Take time to observe which times are busiest in the gym and which times are less congested. Go when the numbers are low. There’s no better way to social distance than being in a gym that’s already on the emptier side.
Go to a Gym That Prioritizes Safety & Practices the Necessary Precautions
Like all businesses, any gym that’s open is taking extra precautions to make sure their attendees are safe from the risk of covid-19. That could entail extra thorough cleaning of the facilities, limiting the maximum number of people who can be in the gym, and even putting up social distancing barriers. It’s important to check with the gym you’re attending what measures they are putting in place so that you feel comfortable. If the gym is crowded and management is not imposing any restrictions, it might be better to go somewhere else.
Carry Your Own Sanitizing Kit
Before covid-19, most gyms already provided sanitizing wipes so that’s already working in our favor. It would however, be a good idea to take the extra step of keeping a sanitizing kit in your own gym bag. That way you can wipe down all the equipment before and after you use it. Sanitizing wipes are easy to carry, but you can also get a small sanitizing spray to use on everything from the weights to the machines.
Don’t Share Equipment
If you’re going to be using things like dumbbells and bars, don’t share with anyone else for the time that you’re using them. Rather take the equipment, find an area to work out in that’s away from everyone else, use the weights, sanitize them and then put them back for the next person to use.
Keep Your Workouts Short
The longer you’re in public places and around people who aren’t from your household, the more you’ll be exposed to the risk of coronavirus. Don’t spend too much time at the gym. Keep your workouts short and highly effective, instead of spending hours at the gym.
Find a Well-Ventilated Space
Many gyms have outdoor spaces that you can do your own workout in. If this is available at your gym consider doing your workouts there instead of in an indoor space that isn’t as well ventilated as an outdoor one.
Remember, the precautions we take to avoid infection don’t just protect us. They protect our loved ones, the people we come into contact with and their families too. It is possible to stay on top of your wellness and fitness goals without putting yourself at risk. Follow these steps and you’ll be able to sail through your time at the gym without any issues.
