Staying Safe at the Gym Through COVID-19 & Flu Season

If you're a diehard "gym rat", the idea of staying away from your home-away-from-home during the COVID-19 outbreak is big time stressing you out, right? You're dedicated to your routine and don't want to miss too many days but is it safe to go to the gym?

As of the time of this posting, the CDC is reporting 938 cases of the coronavirus in the US of which 75 are confirmed person-to-person spread within our community. In addition, since Oct 1, 2019 there have been over 34million reported flu illnesses. Both viruses are considered to be spread from one person to another through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Generally those people are within 6 feet of one another.

Often you can hear coughing, sneezing and a lot of sweaty exhales as exertion and endorphins build at the gym. And in the popular fitness classes, people are standing (or riding) with less than 6 feet of space between them!

So, how can you stay safe at the gym?

Simple steps, carried out diligently, can help you avoid catching some of the many germs that could cause influenza, COVID-19 and even MERSA.

1. Although most gyms have implemented additional cleaning and sanitizing efforts, you should still wipe down equipment both before and after your workout. Many gyms now are making sure that their antibacterial sanitary wipe dispensers are fully loaded (If your gym isn't, pack your own but make sure it contains at least 60% alcohol). Use them generously and wipe down EVERY PIECE OF EQUIPMENT you are planning on using!

2. Bring your own towel from home and use it as an extra layer of protection on your weight bench, equipment seat or workout/yoga mat. Don't forget to use antibacterial wipes before laying down your towel.

3. You already know not to touch your face with your hands, but consider leaving your water bottle in the locker room where it can't catch the spray from a sneeze or cough or from sweat. Take frequent breaks for water (wash your hands before you handle your water bottle). Stay away from the public water fountains if you can help it.

4. Wash your hands before you start working out and before you leave the gym. Germs can live on some surfaces for up to 3 days. Scrub hands with soap and warm water for up to 20 seconds.

5. Keep your distance! Gyms can be crowded...especially in group or cycling classes. Try to get to classes that typically have fewer people because of the time of day they are scheduled for. Smaller class size means more space between you and the other attendees.

6. No High 5's! Practice the art of the elbow "bump, don't shake" move when saying hello or "great job".

Most significant: don't go to the gym if you are not feeling well or if you've been exposed to someone who has the virus or the flu. If you have a cold, cough and/or fever, you could potentially and unintentionally infect your fellow "gym rats" so STAY HOME. And keep in mind that if your immune system is already compromised, it makes you susceptible to other illnesses so now may be a good time to consider an at home workout.

All opinions are that of SmartLife Wellness, LLC and not to be taken as medical advice.