There is no questioning the importance of one’s health and wellness, and for many individuals, going to the gym is essential to obtaining and maintaining the highest possible condition of health and wellbeing. Due to COVID-19, many individuals who frequently exercised were obliged to seek their choices outside of their local gyms. While many individuals have found new ways to be physically active, others are eager to resume their gym habit. If this characterizes you and you are lucky enough to have the opportunity, here are five considerations to keep in mind when you return to your gym or health club.

1-Conduct Some Research

Learn more about what your club has been doing during the closure and what safety measures have been put in place to protect you and the club’s employees during this period. You should be able to find this information on the club’s website or social media channels; if not, phone the club or schedule a meeting with them in order to enquire about the following topics:

• What kind of thorough cleaning was performed during the shutdown, and what new cleaning and disinfection procedures will be implemented? (e.g., what cleaning materials are used, how often places are cleaned, and who is accountable for cleaning)
• Check the gym’s capacity restrictions to see whether reservations are necessary for the whole facility or the portion where you want to spend the most of your time (e.g., group fitness studio, weight room floor, functional area, cardio equipment)
• Which, if any, access restrictions are in place for employees as well as exercisers to reduce the chance of the virus spreading? (e.g., temperature scans, daily health surveys, signs and symptoms, surveillance of individuals utilising the same facility in case a member reports being diagnosed after exercising on site)
• The method in which the regulations that relate to the workers and the consumers will be enforced

The fact that your gym or fitness club can offer you with unambiguous answers to these questions is reassuring evidence that they have conducted the essential due diligence, but you should still proceed with caution. On your first day back, you should observe the behavior of the staff, as well as the club’s members and visitors, to assess whether or not what has been recommended is consistent with the club’s daily reality.

2-Consider Covering Your Tracks

When going out in public, it is recommended to conceal your face. A face covering may prevent you from touching your face after coming into contact with gym equipment or surfaces. This will at the very least aid in preventing the spread of germs. Even if the equipment is likely to be dispersed, there are some spots inside a gym where it is more difficult to avoid invading the personal space of another individual. During activity, the rate of breathing will surely speed, which seems to enhance the likelihood of transmission.

Even though it may be uncomfortable, the majority of people are able to cover their faces while doing their daily activities. If you have a history of problems with your respiratory or cardiovascular systems, however, you should exercise great caution. High-intensity exercise is another significant exception; for these types of exercise, you may choose to move your sessions outdoors or to a location where you will be alone so that you may exercise without a mask.

You should also gradually back into physical activity if you will be wearing a face covering. While wearing a face mask, your RPE (rating of perceived exertion) might be much higher than it would typically be. If you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath, you should lessen the intensity of your exercise. In order to give your cardiovascular and respiratory systems time to adjust, you should increase the intensity of your exercises gradually throughout the first few weeks or sessions.

3-Consider your position in time and space

The majority of businesses have established reservation systems for entry and exit times, equipment use, and class times. If your gym is not one of them, you should schedule your workouts during times when there are naturally less people there. Alternately, you may seek out businesses that need reservations, provide more space, or have fewer patrons.

If you want to minimize your exposure to the gym, you should enter and go as fast as possible. Prepare yourself to use as little of the club’s space and common equipment as feasible. There must be at least 6 feet of spacing between people and equipment. Carefully avoid natural concentration spots (e.g., restrooms, front desk, outside studios).

4-The need of constant sanitation cannot be overstated

Even though the club will be responsible for cleaning the facilities and equipment, you are still responsible for your own sanitation. After putting on your mask and before entering the facility, begin by using hand sanitizer in your car; then, wash your hands again after checking in.

Bring your own supplies (such as hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, for instance) and be careful to sanitise all equipment before and after use. Even though they are not required, weightlifting gloves or surgical gloves may make you feel more comfortable. Mats, bands, stretch straps, foam rollers, and similar products that receive a lot of use and are difficult to clean are examples of such equipment. You should strongly consider acquiring your own to bring with you or use at home.

5-Consider the Threats and Available Options

Utilize sound discretion and behave in a suitable manner. Take your time reentering the area if you are worried about returning, if you have previous health issues, or if you are concerned about maintaining frequent contact with others who are at high(er) risk, whom you may affect. Keep in mind that there are a multitude of techniques to get your body moving!

It has never been easier to find methods to exercise at home, whether you want to take a neighborhood walk, ride a bicycle, utilize an exercise app, or engage in live-streaming or video-on-demand training classes. Inquire about how your club assists those who workout from a distance. You might also go out to others in your network, such as friends, colleagues, family members, and Facebook group members, since they are likely to have some recommendations for you.