The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many people’s routines, including exercise. If you’re used to a workout at the gym or fitness center, you need to be extra cautious while training. Gyms are shared public spaces where equipment is used by many, which raises the risk of COVID-19 transmission. So, what are the safe ways to head back to the gym?
How to Work Out at the Gym Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Before returning, review your gym’s health protocols. Are they limiting visitors and disinfecting equipment regularly? Below are steps you can take to stay safe while exercising at the gym:
1. Bring Your Own Equipment
Pack your own towel, water bottle, workout clothes, and other personal items. Avoid borrowing towels from the gym, even if they’re provided. Always carry hand sanitizer and wet wipes to keep your hands clean.
2. Disinfect the Equipment You Use
Even if staff routinely disinfect machines and weights, it’s wise to wipe down anything you’ll touch again. Whenever it's possible, wash your hands with soap before using equipment, or use hand sanitizer before and after each set.
3. Shower at Home
Though many gyms offer showers, it’s safer to bathe at home to lower transmission risk from shared facilities. Also, wash your workout clothes as soon as you arrive home.
4. Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Check your gym’s operating hours. Visit during off-peak hours so you can maintain at least 1 meter of distance from others. Even if the gym limits visitors, stay alert and cautious.
5. Maintain Your Distance
While exercising, keep space between yourself and others. The recommended distance is at least 6 feet (2 meters). Avoid close contact during your workout.
6. Arrive in Good Condition
If you feel unwell, skip the gym. Going to a public facility when sick increases the risk of catching or spreading illness, including COVID-19. Make sure you’re healthy and ready to train before heading out.
Other than the abovementioned, assess other aspects of the gym, from the ventilation, duration of your activity at the gym, and wear a mask when speaking with people nearby.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Personal and Social Activities: Using Gyms, Fitness Center, or Studios (2020). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/personal-social-activities.html.
