Gyms around the country are beginning to reopen. Here are a few tips on staying safe and avoiding the coronavirus if you choose to return.
Gyms around the country are beginning to reopen. Here are a few tips on staying safe and avoiding the coronavirus if you choose to return.
How to Lower Your Coronavirus Risk at the Gym
ByGretchen ReynoldsJune 18, 2020
Lower Your Coronavirus Risk at the Gym
Lower Your Coronavirus Risk at the Gym
During a pandemic, outdoor activity is always safer than indoors. But for some, nothing replaces a gym.
Here are a few things to think about if you want to take your workout back inside →
Lower Your Coronavirus Risk at the Gym
Disinfect all surfaces you touch.
Gyms are germy. In one study, pathogens, including bacteria and the flu virus were found on 25 percent of gym surfaces.
Make sure your gym has plenty of wipes, sinks and sanitizer stations.
Wipe down all weights, bars, benches, machine rails and knobs.
Lower Your Coronavirus Risk at the Gym
Come prepared.
Bring your own water bottle to avoid using water fountains.
Carry two towels. One should be used to wipe sweat from your face. The other to cover the seats and benches.
Lower Your Coronavirus Risk at the Gym
Wear a mask.
Wearing a mask indoors is important to reduce infection risk. But it can be challenging to do while you are working out.
Wearing a mask is easiest for people lifting weights, hardest for those on cardio machines, like treadmills.
Cloth masks are much better than paper surgical masks, which become damp and lose their effectiveness.
More tips on wearing masks in gyms.
Lower Your Coronavirus Risk at the Gym
Make sure your gym is prepared.
Sign-in procedures should not require you to touch anything. Gym employees should wear face masks or stand behind sneeze guards.
Social distancing is necessary. Find out how your gym is limiting attendance.
Equipment, like treadmills, should be spaced out or taped off so only every other machine is in use.
Lower Your Coronavirus Risk at the Gym
Avoid indoor classes.
Group classes in an enclosed spaces are a bad idea. In one study, 25 percent of people who shared a class with someone who was infected became ill.
Find a group class outside.
Lower Your Coronavirus Risk at the Gym
Avoid stinky gyms.
Well-ventilated buildings will lower your risk for breathing in viral droplets.
If your gym has always felt and smelled clean that’s a good sign that it has good ventilation. Smelly gyms probably don’t.
Talk to your gym about what they are doing to refresh the air.