If you’re planning on going back to your local gym then perhaps you are as apprehensive as we are. There are so many things and concerns going through our minds as we slowly begin to expose ourselves to the outside world. Unfortunately, the extra weight we have put on during the quarantine forces us to go back to the gym. This might make gyms some of the most populated places as everyone struggles to get back in shape. Imagine a closed space with different strangers all working out and sweating together! Talk about the hub for infections!
But hey! Don’t get discouraged just yet! We have compiled for you in the article ways that you can actually get that workout done right while still being as safe as possible. Just follow through some simple steps and you won’t even believe how safe you will be!
1. Take a shower before you head out
We know this is not a usual step you take when you make your journey to the gym. Heck! Who wants to get up early in the morning and take a shower immediately! We don’t! Unfortunately, the pandemic has taught us to be as careful as possible now. So, if taking a shower means you’ll be nice and clean to go out and expose you to the outer world then be it!
If on some days you feel like you don’t have the time to take a shower then make sure your hands are completely clean. Wash them properly and get all those germs between your fingers and under your nails.
2. Keep sufficient cleaning material and sanitizers
We don’t know about you but we certainly have built a habit of using sanitizers as much as necessary. And since everything at the gym is being touched by strangers (well some of them might be your friends) you can’t be too careful. The gym in all its glory is a place where you can find yourself most vulnerable to catching infections from others.
Keep your own personal towel and liquid sanitizer to go over gym machines and equipment before and after you use them. We have a social responsibility after all.
3. Try to take as many of your own personal equipment as possible.
Sometimes we only visit the gym because our favorite trainer is there. And the fear of catching a virus should not keep you from going to the gym regardless. So throw in your personal dumbbells and skipping rope in that gym bag of yours! And while you’re doing that make sure you’re carrying extra masks and gloves.
This might mean that you will have to invest in a bigger gym bag. Get yourself a new steady and fashionable gym bag! You’re going in after a while so why not make an entrance!
4. Visit the gym at your own allotted time
Before going to the gym, why don’t you first call your trainer and ask them to assign a specific time to you. This way you will know that there are just a certain number of people inside the gym and it’s not too crowded. If you do happen to visit the gym without calling, then walk away if you think there are too many people inside already.
We would suggest entering the gym if there are only 4 or 5 people already using their facilities.
We understand that you might be excited to meet with your gym buddies after so many months of being apart. But don’t go hugging them just yet! Try to maintain a safe distance as much as possible. Avoid shaking hands or doing exercises that requires you to train with a partner. With just you and four other people in the gym it shouldn’t be too difficult!
Wait your turn for using the machines. Don’t stand next to a person already using the treadmill signaling them to hurry up! Let them take their time will you silently observe from a safe distance. And before you hop onto the machine, give the previous person ample time to clean the equipment and machines before passing it onto you. And if they don’t clean up after them, just remember that you are safe because you have your own cleaning material!
This is a scary and unpredictable time for all of us. But a little caution can help us get a long way.
