As we all manage through the current COVID-19 pandemic, we know that it is important to maintain a healthy immune system and working out is one of the best ways to ensure just that. That said, precautions should be taken at the gym during this time, such as wiping hands and wiping down any surfaces with gym wipes prior to use and limiting gym use during peak times. Also, given that this is a virus transmitted through the eyes and mouth through touching, gym goers should consider using virtual instructors and trainers instead of the traditional hands on trainer approach.
The one, two punch of virtual training during non peak hours and constant disinfecting of hands and equipment can go a long way for health clubs to contribute to the battle to defeat the coronavirus pandemic.
Wiping down gym equipment with disinfectant wipes is common sense, but it doesn’t hurt to hear it again from an infection control specialist. “Karen Hoffmann, R.N., an infection prevention specialist at the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine in Chapel Hill and immediate past president of the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, recommends wiping down gym equipment with disinfectant wipes before and after each use.”¹
The coronavirus spreads by touch through respiratory fluids from coughs and sneezes when their droplets land on surfaces. People contract the virus when they touch these surfaces with their hands and then touch areas of their face. Basically, the coronavirus transmits in the same manner of the flu and the common cold. Fortunately, there is research to indicate that the virus does not spread through the air, and,
the coronavirus does not transmit via sweat…
As reported by consumerreports.org, “When it comes to the gym, there’s some good news: “We know that the coronavirus is not found in sweat,” says Amesh Adalja, M.D., an infectious disease physician, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, and spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.”²
Virtual training, like that offered at the 24 hour infrared fitness studio HOTWORX, allows clients to practice hot yoga and other hot exercise options at non peak fitness center hours every day, 365 days per year. Obviously, this allows for use during slow periods where there is less likelihood for a transmission of the virus.
Gym goers should consider working out to virtual instruction during non-peak hours after 8pm and before 6am as we move though this wave of coronavirus.
Health club members should STAY HOME if they have any symptoms. CDC urges all of us to stay home if we are sick!
Again, wash hands at the gym prior to workouts and after workouts, and wipe machines and hands prior to and after use.
All health clubs should implore their staff to abide by the following statement:
If you have time to lean you have time to clean!
In summary, the two health club nuggets in this blog post are: (1) members should consider workouts during non peak hours and (2) they should seek out virtual trainers and instructors during this time as opposed to hands on personal training and large group fitness with hands on instruction.
