Gyms were one of the first businesses to close down at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. For some, that was a welcome relief. Now they wouldn’t have to feel guilty about skipping a workout session. However, for many the hour spent working out was what kept them in shape. Now with the country slowly reopening, you might be eager to get back to your workout routines.
Here’s what you’ll need to do to be safe:
Mask Up
It goes without saying that if you’re going to the gym, then you should be wearing a mask. If you show up and no one else is wearing a mask, then tell the manager and then go workout at home.
Wash Then Rewash Then Repeat
It is a safe bet that your gym has stepped up their disinfection operations. They should have already been doing that but now they’ll be doing it a lot more frequently. However, you should be in charge of your own disinfecting. Before you use any piece of equipment, you should wipe it down with the available sanitizers. You can even bring your own spray if you want to feel 100% confident in the contents of that spray.
When you’re done with your sets, you should immediately go wash your hands. That means no touching of the face before you do. This might add time to your workout but it also will add steps to your step count, so it’s a bonus.
Spread Out
A cardio workout might be just the thing to kick start your workouts again. Your gym should be promoting social distancing practices by isolating the cardio machines. If not, then try to do your own isolating. Try to keep an empty machine on either side of your work out.
Cover Up
Your mask is going to keep your mouth and nose covered, which is good. But you also want to make sure you cover any cuts or scrapes with a Band-Aid. You should have been doing this all along but it is especially important now.
If any of those added precautions make you feel nervous about returning to the gym, then don’t worry. You can still get in a good workout at home – no mask required!
