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If you’re a lover of health and fitness, the gym may feel like your second home. As a place to strengthen and tone muscles, the gym can also be a great environment in which to socialize with others and boost your mental health. However, because of the coronavirus pandemic, gyms and fitness centers across the country have implemented strict regulations, such as social distancing.
As gyms are beginning to reopen, you will need to reassess your routine and take precautionary measures to keep you and others safe from contracting COVID-19.
Here are five safety tips that you can follow
Wear a Mask
Wearing a face covering at all times is mandatory in gyms and fitness centers. While exercising with a face mask may not be entirely comfortable, it’s vital for keeping you and others safe, as well as ensuring gyms can stay open. To get the most out of your exercise, you should pick a face mask that is comfortable to wear. Tons of athleticwear companies have started to sell face coverings specifically for working out.
Keep Your Distance
Gyms are social hubs that many people use to connect with others and inspire each other on their fitness journey. However, due to COVID-19, you must keep your distance from other gym-goers at all times. All gyms and fitness centers will have social distancing measures in place, such as spacing equipment further apart, reducing capacity, and having sneeze guards like these from Sneeze Guard EZ installed to separate visitors. Make sure that you adhere to the rules as much as you can and allocate extra space between you and others.
Use Hand Sanitizer
While gyms and fitness centers will already have hand sanitizer stations to use, and regularly clean equipment in between uses, it won’t hurt to bring your own bottle along. Make sure that you clean your hands once you are finished with equipment. A travel-size hand sanitizer bottle will fit perfectly in your gym bag and help keep you, and those around you, safe and protected.
Bring Your Own Materials
There is some gym equipment that can be difficult to disinfect. Because of this, you may wish to bring your own yoga mat, resistance bands, and towel to the gym. You must keep hydrated throughout your session to help you get the most out of your workout, which is why you should bring a reusable water bottle that can be topped up.
Go When It’s Quiet
If you’re worried about contracting the coronavirus, it’s advised to go to the gym when it isn’t busy. Whether it’s early in the morning or midweek, try to avoid hitting the gym after work or during lunch. Even though there will be a reduced capacity, these times are more likely to have gym goers present. Going at a less busy time will give you more choice of equipment and keep you protected.
While you may be excited to get back into the gym and resume your fitness regime after many months at home, you must keep safety at the top of your mind on your next visit. All the tips above can help reduce the risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19.
