States are starting to lift shelter-in-place measures and ease restrictions and as they do, gyms are starting to open their doors, too. Guidelines vary state by state and even city to city, but when your gym reopens, is it safe to go? Dr. Anthony Barile, Infectious disease medical director at Health First, says it’s “relatively safe,” as long as people are wearing masks, washing their hands, and cleaning the equipment, as well as following social distancing guidelines. But there are still some things to keep in mind before you decide to hit the gym again.
“The gym is a place where community transmission is more likely due to the shared spaces and equipment,” he explains. And if you’re in a high-risk or immunocompromised group, he warns “the gym may not be the safest option.”
To make an informed decision, check out how your gym is complying with coronavirus safety measures.Dr. Barile says your gym should:
- Follow six-foot social distancing measures- Your gym should be moving things around so you can stay six feet apart from others when you’re using equipment.
- Provide plenty of hygiene products- Find out if they will provide sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer and handwashing stations around the gym.
- Regularly clean high-touch areas- Gyms will need to be cleaned more often now and gym-goers should be discouraged from using shared equipment until it’s been cleaned properly.
- Check temperatures- Lots of states are requiring both employees and gym members to have their temperatures checked at the entrance with methods that don’t require close contact, like forehead thermometers.
- Recommend the use of face masks -Staff at the gym will probably be required to wear face masks and you’ll be encouraged to do so too, especially where social distancing isn’t possible.
If your gym isn’t doing all these things, Dr. Barile suggests working out at home or going to a different gym that prioritizes sanitation and safety instead.
Source:PopSugar