How to work out safely at the gym during a pandemic

A huge part of trying to overcome the coronavirus pandemic has been social distancing. However, unlike the very first lockdown South Africa was under in March 2020, many businesses remain open in a bid to keep the economy functional. Some of these include gyms and although they are an important aspect of many people’s health journeys, some people are wary of going to the gym as they are fearful of potentially getting infected with COVID-19. If you still want to meet your fitness goals for 2021 at your local gym, keep the following safety precautions in mind:

1. Always wear a mask and bring your own sanitiser

This goes without saying, especially since wearing a mask in public is now law, but when you’re at the gym, be sure to always wear a mask. You should also bring your own hand sanitiser. Your gym will most likely have sanitisers around the facility, but it’s still key to carry your own bottle.  

2. Go to the gym during off-peak hours

Avoid going to the gym during peak hours. The fewer people you are around, the better. Many gyms have created systems to ensure that gyms are not overcrowded during the pandemic. This includes getting people to book their classes ahead of time and limiting the number of people allowed inside the gym.    

3. Opt for small gym classes  

Small gym classes make it easier to social distance as opposed to larger classes. The fewer people you are around, the fewer chances you have of potentially contracting the coronavirus.  

4. Avoid high-intensity workouts

It’s better to engage in high-intensity workouts outdoors. Strenuous workouts in an enclosed space increase the chances of respiratory droplets spreading onto surfaces or people. This is because high-intensity workouts increase your breathing rate, causing you to pant.  

5. Sanitise equipment before and after use

Prior to using any gym equipment, wipe it down thoroughly. You should do the same after you’re done using the equipment as well. This will help kill any germs lingering on the surfaces of the equipment.  

6. Keep your distance from other people  

The social distancing guidelines should still be adhered to at the gym. The standard is to keep a 2m distance between yourself and others.  

7. Don’t be at the gym longer than you need to be

Spend as little time at the gym as possible. This means you can’t arrive 20 minutes early for your class and wait for it to get started. The less time you spend in an enclosed space with others, the better for you and your health.  

8. Consider taking your gym’s online classes

If going to the gym physically still isn’t something you want to do, that’s understandable. You can ask your gym if they have any online classes that you can stream at home. With the internet, it’s possible to socially distance and still keep fit in the comfort of your own home.    

With the 8 tips above, you can ensure that you take as many precautions as possible when working out at the gym during a pandemic.