Buzz
As gyms start reopening, it's tempting to return. But just because it's allowed, doesn't mean it’s always the right choice. Take a moment to assess the risks involved before jumping back into your workout routine.
According to Ellie Murray, an epidemiologist at Boston University, 'The key thing to remember is the range of risk we’re dealing with.' She asks, 'As things reopen, how much risk are you personally willing to take?'
Understanding your level of comfort with risk is vital in making a decision that ensures your safety and the safety of others. If you're considering returning to the gym, here are some factors to weigh carefully.
Small group fitness classes generally carry a higher risk.
Murray notes that small group exercise classes are typically the highest risk, especially if indoors, as they bring participants into close proximity while forcefully exhaling.
A recent case in South Korea highlights the risk: a single dance fitness workshop attended by instructors who unknowingly taught while infectious led to 112 cases. The close quarters, coupled with the aerobic movements, created an environment for transmission due to shared, contaminated air.
Holding a small group class outdoors might reduce some risks, as fresh air and more space help maintain physical distance. However, it still remains a higher-risk option.
'The main concern is how close you are to others and the number of people present,' says Murray. For maintaining a safe distance, the further apart, the better. She recommends at least 10 to 12 feet due to the more forceful exhalation during exercise.
Pay attention to the gym’s layout and its access to disinfectant supplies.
When returning to the gym, the space layout is crucial, as is the availability of sanitizing products like disinfectant wipes. A gym should have ample room for social distancing and ensure that all equipment is cleaned after each use, so you can stay safe.
Gyms should provide disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer at convenient locations. It’s also wise to inquire about the gym’s cleaning schedule and the protocols in place if an employee falls ill. However, don’t rely solely on the previous user to clean the equipment; always disinfect before use.
Exercising outdoors can often be safer than indoors.
If you’re considering using the pull-up bars at the park or doing dips on a bench, outdoor workouts might be safer than indoor ones due to better air circulation. More fresh air means there’s less chance of breathing in contaminated air from others.
'In a small room, these particles will linger in the air as you work out,' says Murray.
For indoor exercise, it’s beneficial to have an open window. However, as Murray warns, fans might not help if they’re just circulating the same air that everyone else is breathing. 'The key is to bring in fresh air,' says Murray.
If you plan to use the pull-up bar at the park, remember to bring your own hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. And as with all activities, make sure to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others.
Think about other factors when heading to the gym.
Going to the gym isn’t just about the equipment. You should also consider whether you’ll be using the locker room, showers, or sauna. Will you need to use the bathroom? The more surfaces you come into contact with, the higher the risk.
'Public restrooms are something we’ll all think twice about now,' says Murray.
If you’re heading to the gym, try to limit the time spent there and reduce the number of surfaces you touch. It’s a good idea to skip the sauna and, if possible, wear your workout clothes to the gym and save changing for home.
'We’re all living in athleisure now anyway,' says Murray.
Keep your long-term goals in mind when assessing risk.
When deciding if you should return to the gym, consider the bigger picture. If going back is crucial to you, are there other areas of your life where you can reduce your overall risk?
For instance, if visiting the grocery store or dining out isn’t a priority, consider opting for grocery delivery and takeout to lower your overall risk. You could also do parts of your workout at home and only go to the gym when you need specific equipment. Risk is a spectrum, not an all-or-nothing scenario.
Any steps you take to reduce your overall risk will be vital in the coming weeks and months. It's important to think about what truly matters to you and what alternative options are acceptable. Also, keep in mind that if we're not careful, gyms may shut down again.
'Reopening will only be successful if we can keep transmission low,' says Murray. 'If we manage to control transmission, we could potentially stay open through the summer.'
