The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world as we knew it almost overnight. We have all had to change our normal routines and have had to remain isolated from others for long periods of time. Something that many people have neglected since spending so much time indoors is their health. Fortunately, gyms have reopened their doors in order to get people healthy and active again. However, the virus hasn’t gone away, so gym-goers need to protect themselves and others during classes and workouts. To support safe exercise, here is how to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in gyms.
Physical Barriers
Putting up physical barriers between gym staff and members is important in a gym. This can be in the form of plexiglass guards, which can be wiped down on a regular basis with disinfectant. Having physical barriers between individuals will reduce the risk of gym staff getting sick while protecting customers from catching COVID-19 and providing them with high-quality customer service.
Keep Clean
Since the outbreak, we have all been made aware of the importance of washing our hands properly. By doing so, people will protect themselves while protecting others, which will reduce the spread of the virus. Washing your hands, wiping down gym equipment, and washing your hair and body after a workout will keep you clean and the facility will remain a clean and hygienic space for exercise.
Wear Masks
Many people get worried about the safety of wearing a mask while they exercise, but if both gym staff and members wore a mask during their time in the building, this will drastically reduce the risk of spreading or catching COVID-19. Research has proven that it is safe to wear a mask during most workouts unless it is vigorous or you have a medical condition such as asthma or a heart problem.
Don’t Share
Sharing items with strangers or people you know who don’t live in your household could put you all at risk of catching COVID-19. You should avoid sharing water bottles or water fountains with other individuals. If you want to work out with someone, then you should keep a safe distance from them. After someone uses weights, mats or certain equipment, make sure it is clean before you have a go.
Smaller Classes
In some areas, gym classes are still being taught, but the number of people who can participate has been reduced to a smaller and more responsible number. As well as putting on smaller classes, gyms have been encouraged to take bookings for use of any area in the facility, as this will allow them to control and limit the number of individuals in an enclosed space and will make it easier to keep clean.
Keeping gyms and other leisure and entertainment facilities open is important for the mental and physical health of the public. In order to keep these places open, we need to work together to reduce the spread of the virus and keep ourselves and the people around us safe and healthy.
