6 TIPS ON RETURNING TO THE GYM

With gyms closed, exercise enthusiasts across the nation have kept up with their fitness regimens by switching to online workouts, running and making use of household objects.

Now that gyms have reopened in more than two dozen states, some fitness buffs will be able to return to in-person instruction and commercial-grade equipment. But should they?

Geoff Dreher, a Johns Hopkins sports medicine physician who encourages moderate exercise for the physical and mental benefits, says you should “ask yourself if you need the gym for those exercise benefits.” If so, he suggests proceeding with caution. Here are factors to consider.

1. Evaluate cases in your area.

Consider avoiding the gym if coronavirus cases are escalating in your region. “[If] you’re seeing a big spike, maybe wait that one out,” says Saskia Popescu, senior infection prevention epidemiologist at George Mason University. She stresses that we all play a role in stopping the spread. “Staying home is important if you have a lot of community transmission,” she said.

2. Monitor your own health.

No matter what policies your gym adopts, show up only if you’re completely healthy. If you are feeling sick, Dreher says to “stay away,” particularly if you’re over 60, are immunocompromised or have chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.

3. Make sure there’s plenty of room.

Whether you’re at a big-box facility or a boutique studio, plenty of space is key, particularly because exercise requires vigorous breathing. According to Dreher, the more force behind your exhalations, the greater the distance your respiratory droplets can travel: potentially farther than 6 feet.

4. Shorten your workout

You can also limit your exposure by shortening your stay. “I recommend avoiding as much shared space as you can,” Dreher says. Consider queuing up your playlist or podcast before entering the building, stretching outside, or substituting your indoor warmup or cool-down with an outdoor jog or walk. Many states that have allowed gyms to open are keeping locker rooms closed; even if yours is open, he suggests changing clothes and showering at home.

5. Wear a proper mask.

Experts recommend masks when exercising indoors but understand that there are drawbacks.

The N95 mask gives the most protection, but when worn correctly, it’s extremely tight, making breathing during exercise very difficult. Moreover, it’s designed for medical professionals and requires specific testing to ensure a proper fit.

A cloth mask should cover your mouth and nose. Popescu recommends an adjustable mask “to make sure it’s snug and not falling down.” Dreher suggests exercising at about half your normal intensity as you get accustomed to a mask. Reducing your effort may also reduce moisture levels in the fabric. According to Popescu, a wet mask is less likely to function effectively.

6. Do your due diligence.

Popescu encourages people to do their homework. She suggests not just asking what safety precautions your gym is taking but also being aware of whether its policies align with your observations. “If it doesn’t feel right, trust your gut.”