Updated Policy for 2021/2022
Are you ready to get back to the gym? Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the Coronavirus.
Particles can be transmitted by putting hands to mouth or by talking. Some employers have installed screening for a second contact with anyone who has just spent time at the gym. They will have equipment put in place that can capture particles that are sent into the air during activities like ab crunches and sit ups, but most people don’t put on a mask or use a hand sanitizer during activities like those.
So what should you do?
- First of all, you want to take the precautions listed in the same order: avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils, wash your hands frequently, change your clothes, don’t touch your face, and stay out of public places for a while after.
- If you have to work in a place where people work out a lot, especially if it is open to the public, you need to follow the same advice:
- Resist sharing drinks or utensils. Don’t eat or drink in front of others. Put paper towels down to stop the spread of germs if someone gets sick. Change your clothes.
- Make sure that all of the above steps are done, including use of a hand sanitizer if you need it.
Breathing in particles means that you’re breathing in virus particles. A high level of concentration of a virus can cause a severe illness.
Many gyms are implementing “medical contact precautions,” which means touching or shaking hands when entering a gym is a no go. The CDC offers more information on what the CDC considers risky behaviors.
In general, it will probably be better to take precautions while exercising rather than to avoid exercising all together.
Be aware of the health risks of exercising on hard surfaces. Stairs, treadmills, yoga mats, bleachers and the mat in a yoga studio are all potential ways the virus can spread.
Individuals who are ill with the coronavirus shouldn’t visit gyms.