GROUND RULES

HOW TO HANDLE YOURSELF ON YOUR RETURN TO THE GYM

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE

The two-metre rule exists for a reason. Even if you’re loitering for next turn on the squat rack, no-one needs you breathing in their personal space.

BYOB

Though gyms are very much back, it’ll be a while before we’re all comfortable slurping from the same water cooler, so bring your own bottle.

WASH THOSE HANDS

You don’t need to do the whole 30-second ‘Happy Birthday’ routine between every set, but hand sanitiser should be the first item in your kit bag.

WIPE IT DOWN

The same goes for the equipment you use. Whether it’s a dumbbell, barbell or medicine ball, break out the antiseptic wipes before and after use.

TOWEL OFF

A rule to live by, even in normal times: no-one needs a close encounter with your sweat, tears or other bodily fluids. Keep a towel at hand.

SHARE THE WEIGHTS…

We know you’ve missed shifting some heavy tin, but everyone else has, too. Don’t hog the kit – just remember to wipe it down before you move on.

…BUT NOT THE LOVE

Even if your old gym self was a chest-pumping, fist-bumping social butterfly, PTs and fellow guests might be warier than you are. Say hello from a distance.