Staying Safe At The Gym.

 

Although we've had a chance to get shots and boosters to help keep us safe from Covid, it is still possible to get it, especially in crowded areas.  Even though many people are back using the gym and it may get busy at points, there are still things you can do to help keep yourself healthy.

Even though it's been a couple years since Covid struck, you may still feel as if you need to exercise caution.  If you are one of those who is still cautious, think about the following things.

First and foremost, continue sanitizing your hands on a regular basis and think about bringing your own sanitizer wipes and use them to clean any equipment you use.  Yes, most gyms will sanitize their equipment on a regular basis but if you use your own cloths, you know when it was last sanitized.  Furthermore, there are indications that the covid virus can survive on surfaces from a few hours to several days so if you wipe down the equipment before using, you will kill those germs.

You should try to avoid peak times at the gym so that you are not exposed to as many people and there is less chance of being exposed to someone who has Covid. It is becoming more common for people to be asymptomatic and they are likely to keep doing things since they have no reason to test themselves.  If you have to go during peak hours, try to maintain social distancing so you stay safer.  If you can change things around so you go at off peak times, it is easier to use equipment while maintaining the distance you need.

There is nothing that says you still can't wear a mask to exercise in and it is strongly recommended you use a disposable one, either a surgical or a KN95 type mask.  You might find the surgical masks to be better when working out.  Be sure to take nice deep breaths when doing cardio activity and if you find you need more air, step out where you can get some fresh air. 

Monitor those around you so you can maintain a good distance from others.  If there is someone in the machine you want to use, find another machine or take a break until the machine is open.  Quickly wipe it down and use it.  If the machine you want to use is too close to the machine you want to use, try to do something else and come back later.  If you choose not to wear a mask, social distancing becomes even more important.

If you begin to exhibit any symptoms associated with covid, consider staying home until you are better.  You are most contagious when you are displaying symptoms so plan to stay home.  Even if you don't have covid, you still want to stay home till you are over any cold, flu, or viral infection.  

I've discussed what you can do to stay safe but you should also talk to the gym to find out what they are doing. You should find out how often they sanitize equipment.  Ask them what they have done to improve ventilation in the building to cut down on the spread of covid. Have they improved the HVAC system?  Do they open the windows?  Is there an outdoor activity you can use?

The bottom line in regard to exercising at the gym comes down to you.  Are you vaccinated fully?  Do you have any underlying conditions that would make it easier to get covid?  Think about these things before you make the decision to go back to working out in a gym and then follow all the suggestions to make your experience safer.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.