Is it safe to go to the gym in a pandemic? Your guide

Humans can contract or spread coronavirus through exposure to respiratory droplets that carry the virus, viruses that accumulate or flow in the air, or surfaces that are infected with viruses. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that increased respiratory distress in the enclosed spaces of indoor exercise facilities facilitates the transmission of the virus.
The risk of infection in gyms is lower for people who are fully vaccinated, but non-vaccinated people remain unprotected – so both groups should take the same precautions as they go.

No matter what you do, you should stay at least 6 meters away from others and constantly wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose. If the intensity of the exercise makes wearing a mask difficult, it is especially important to do that activity outside and outside of others, the CDC said.

According to CDC, it is not harmful for healthy people to wear a mask during exercise, but those with a lung disease or heart disease should talk to their healthcare provider before attempting to exercise while wearing a mask.

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Virtual fitness classes are still available. But if you want to go to the gym, you have to prepare first. Call or check online to see if the gym follows CDC guidance for gyms, fitness centers and studios. Book your place for a low usage time and go online if possible. Read more about practices that can affect your plans, such as closed locker rooms. Even if locker rooms are open, shower at home and arrive in your workout clothes not to be near others in a small space. Take two masks with you when you get wet from sweating, because according to the CDC, a wet mask is less effective and can make it difficult to breathe.

Some gyms “have limited the number of people who can be on the floor,” said Dr. Ada Stewart, a GP at Cooperative Health in Columbia, South Carolina, and president of the American Academy of General Practitioners. “Most gyms have large windows; they have fans, and there’s a lot of ventilation inside. If you do not see it, I will try to avoid it if at all possible.”

Also keep an eye out for high ceilings, open doors and portable air cleaners with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters, all of which can help keep spaces well ventilated.
Here is the type and amount of exercise you need, WHO recommends

As risk increases with the level of physical exertion, you need to be picky about what activities you do. As long as the studio is well ventilated and the class size is kept small, low-intensity activities – such as yoga – are safer than high-intensity activities, including basketball or spinning, that need to be done outdoors. Outdoor sessions with gas limits are less risky than indoor group trainings.

Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy and management at George Washington University Milken Institute School, said dr. Leana Wen, a CNN medical analyst, has good ventilation with people who are at least 10 feet apart. of public health. “If it’s not in place, I’ll see if it needs to be vaccinated.”

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Before and after using machines or equipment, use disinfectant wipes to clean them, and clean or wash your hands. Do not use equipment that cannot be cleaned quickly enough between guests, such as weight bands or resistance bands. If you are indoors, “keep your workouts as short as possible to prevent prolonged exposure,” the CDC suggested.

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