Buzz
Many gyms permit people to remove their masks during workouts, as though the virus will conveniently avoid spreading when people exercise. Unfortunately, that's not how it works. Even if local regulations allow maskless exercise, it doesn't mean it's the wisest choice.
The CDC recently pointed to several cases of super-spreader events at gyms. One example comes from a gym in Chicago, where 81 people were exposed to the virus during classes, and 55 of them later developed symptoms. Despite spacing people six feet apart, requiring masks at the entrance, and conducting temperature checks and symptom screenings, the virus still spread.
As we should all know by now, people can be contagious even before showing symptoms. This means someone could unknowingly attend a class and exercise without a mask, potentially spreading the virus. The CDC report also noted that some individuals showed up to class while awaiting test results. It's no surprise that these factors contribute to the spread of the virus.
This situation is all too familiar. Think back to the Canadian cycling studio that followed all the rules, yet allowed maskless classes. Or recall the outbreak in Hawaii gyms where masks weren’t mandated?
A room full of people working hard, breathing heavily, without masks or proper ventilation is a dangerous environment during a pandemic. To those who argue that exercising with a mask is uncomfortable or even unfeasible, I’d say, if you can't do it with a mask, you shouldn’t be exercising indoors among others.
The CDC’s findings on the Chicago gym offer this advice on how to make exercising safer, with emphasis added:
To minimize the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in fitness environments,
participants should wear masks, even during high-intensity activities while maintaining ≥6 ft distance
. Facilities should also enforce physical distancing, improve airflow, and encourage participants to self-isolate after symptom onset or receiving a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. Quarantining after potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2 or while awaiting test results is also recommended. Exercising outdoors or virtually may further reduce the risk of transmission.
If your gym isn't enforcing mask mandates, it's safest to avoid it altogether. If you decide to go despite the risks, steer clear of cardio classes where everyone is breathing heavily, and limit the time you spend inside the facility.
We also have a collection of home workout ideas here. Try following a workout video! Use a group fitness app! Grab some dumbbells or resistance bands! Cancel your membership and invest in a complete home gym! Head outdoors and go for a run! And if you’ve already done all of that, we also have suggestions for what to do when you're tired of your home workout.
