Is it safe to go back to the gym once it opens?

Dharshana Kathiresan, INN/Chennai, @infodeaofficial

People are forced to work out in their homes these past few months as the country fell victim to the severe infections of Coronavirus. Now as relaxations in lockdown norms are being enforced in parts of the country, people wonder whether they can return back to their normal gym routine.

Outside travel has become so panic-stricken, mainly when it comes to contact with other people. Hardcore exercises in a confined room (gym studios) increase the possibility of spread in germs and that is why people have started to analyze the risk factors in visiting gyms.

With the daily rise in the affected number of people, it’s not advisable to hit the gyms. Some Korean researchers have traced back to Covid-19 cases and its spread to fitness dance studios. So it’s better to encourage people to take their exercise sessions outdoors. 

Exposure to virus is high in gyms

People tend to breathe harder when they exercise. In case a person who is affected by the virus (without their knowledge) is found to be in a gym, the possibility of the virus spreading from them through the air via respiratory droplets is likely to happen.

The number of people present in a particular workout session also adds to our worries. Because of the intensity (no.of people) increases, then the likelihood of transmission also increases (as people are present close to one and other).

So we can fairly say that the odds of transmission in a hot and jam-packed gymnasium is extremely probable. That too if there is no proper air circulation, the atmosphere you work in becomes even more sweaty and moist.

If you’re set in using gyms then it’s necessary to follow these safety measures

It’s important to consider a set of factors like your health conditions, age and how intense is the outspread of coronavirus in your area. These factors can help decide whether you have to mandatorily use the gym for regulating your fitness.

How to stay safe when you go back to the gym?

  • Check with your gyms about their disinfecting and cleaning procedures and the frequency of it.
  • It’s mandatory to prioritize proper airflow (using a fan, keeping the doors and windows open) in fitness classes.
  • Ensure that the instructors are wearing masks and following hygiene measures.

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