Gyms and Coronavirus: What Are the Risks?

While newly implemented health policies have enforced social distancing, there are still plenty of ways to maintain your fitness whether it’s through the use of in-home gym equipment or braving your local gym. 

In this article, we’re going to take a look at what the potential risks are of going to the gym during this pandemic and how you can stay protected from infection.

Risk of Coronavirus At The Gym

While the spread of coronavirus remains on the rise around the globe, there is still a sliver of hope for people looking to get back in the gym this year. The most notable news is that medical experts have since suggested that the virus cannot be transmitted through sweat or skin-to-skin contact. 

The virus is primarily spread through coughing, sneezing, and respiratory droplets. That being said, objects in the gym that are frequently touched can potentially serve as a vehicle for the virus and many other germs for several days. 

For instance, an infected person can cough or sneeze on equipment (or cover their sneeze with their hand then touch a piece of equipment) during their workout. The virus can stay alive on gym equipment for several days, until it is picked up by another human host and introduced into the body.

This means dumbbells, yoga mats, and other machines should be meticulously sanitized before and after each use.

 

How Gyms Are Stopping The Spread

Since the coronavirus began to spread, many gyms began implementing special precautions regarding sanitization practices. Most gyms have since adopted the use of hand sanitizer stations, frequent and vigilant cleaning, and advising members to stay home if they are feeling any symptoms of being sick.

In other cases, depending on the laws passed by local government agencies regarding COVID-19, some gyms have temporarily shut down until further notice.

How You Can Protect Yourself

While every business is taking every precaution necessary to keep their communities safe, it’s still advised to do what you can to keep yourself safe at all times. Whether it’s temporarily using single-use water bottles or wiping down every mat, machine, and piece of equipment before and after use, there are several things you can start doing to keep your body coronavirus-free.

Here are a few other habits to consider adopting moving forward.

Go During Less Frequently Visited Hours

As we’ve seen with the coronavirus, the more distance you can put between yourself and others, the better your chances of staying healthy. When it comes to the gym, you may want to consider implementing the same strategy.

If possible, try going to the gym during the hours it’s unlikely to be busy to decrease your risk of infection.

Wipe Down The Equipment

This goes without saying, but should be considered now more than ever. Many gyms and athletic clubs provide its members with disinfectant wipes or sprays to wipe down equipment before and after use.

If you choose to bring your own wipes with you to the gym, be sure that they contain at least 60% alcohol or chlorine bleach to ensure the effectiveness of the disinfectant.

Don’t Touch Your Face!

We’ve heard this rather consistently since the beginning, but it cannot be stressed enough. Infection from the coronavirus doesn’t occur immediately from touching infected surfaces, but rather when we carry the virus from our hands to our face. This facilitates the virus’ entry into our mouth or nose, where it can travel to the lungs and cause the disease.

As much as possible, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth while you’re working out at the gym and frequently wash your hands to keep yourself protected.

Practice Good Hygiene

While it may sound like a silly thing to say to adults, this aspect is significantly essential right now. As mentioned, coronavirus infection occurs when the virus has been ingested, which means it’s critical that you start washing your hands with soap for a minimum of 30 seconds before and after leaving the gym.

It’s also vital that you wash your hands before touching your face or any other object that comes near your face, such as your water bottle.

Try to avoid using communal showers at this time. Instead, shower immediately as soon as you get home, and toss your dirty outside clothes straight into the laundry. Don’t hug, kiss, or touch anyone at home until after you’ve showered.

Be Mindful Of Frequently Used Equipment

As suggested by medical experts, community spread is the biggest concern when it comes to the spread of the coronavirus. Although sweat cannot transmit COVID-19, frequently touching high-contact surfaces such as barbells, dumbbells, and other commonly used pieces of gym equipment can place you at risk of exposure.

While practicing good hygiene can help minimize some of this risk, if there is a piece of equipment you’d like to use that is frequently used by other members at the gym, it’s recommended to try and find an alternative.

Stay Home If You Feel Sick

Above all else, if you feel any symptoms of being sick, it’s highly recommended that you stay home. Even if you are prone to allergies and know it may not be anything serious, staying home while fighting through symptoms will not only keep you healthy, but will also put other gym members at ease.

If you would still like to get in a good workout while staying home, there are several alternative workouts that are equally as good as visiting the gym. In fact, this might be the perfect time to consider investing in home gym equipment.

Staying Safe During A Pandemic

As the coronavirus continues to unfold for countries across the globe, staying healthy is the number one priority for every person.

Despite the scientifically proven health benefits of exercising regularly, social distancing is critical right now to help slow down the spread of this highly infectious virus. Not only will it help lower the odds that you’ll contract COVID-19, but it will also help keep people safe that may be more vulnerable than others.

If, however, you are someone who doesn’t want to give up their daily workout routine, you can still do that in alternative ways. Thanks to online classes and basic home gym equipment, you can stay fit while also staying hunkered down at home.

While none of this is ideal for anyone, this could potentially be an excellent time for you to break old routines, make new habits, and get a little creative with your fitness routines.

To get started on assembling your home gym, visit the Primo Fitness USA website today!

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