Is it safe to go to the gym? Yes
IS IT SAFE TO GO TO THE GYM?
THE SHORT ANSWER: CURRENTLY, YES
HOW TO STAY SAFE AT THE GYM [0]
- Wipe equipment before and after use with gym wipes provided [7]
- Wash or sanitise hands before and after using a piece of equipment
- Wipe your face with a towel, not your hands
- Minimise skin contact with others (e.g. high-fives)
- Try to go at off-peak times with fewer people
- Steer clear of people who appear unwell
- Stay home if you are feeling sick
Alternatively to avoid risk, work out at home. The Planet Fitness App can help you get started, it is pre-loaded with some great workouts. Ask staff to help you set up your account if you haven’t already got the app – available for iOS and Android.
Many studies have found that gyms can be hot spots for bacteria and viruses [1]. There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through sweat because
“It is a respiratory virus, so the lung is where the virus attacks. Sweat doesn’t contain respiratory droplets, so there are no current beliefs that sweat is a source of the virus.” – Dr John Whyte [2]
Despite the fact that the virus doesn’t spread through sweat, gyms are still a low-moderate risk environment for COVID-19.
“[The outbreak] doesn’t mean you stop going to the gym, but it means you’ve got to be super careful in the gym. So you’re going to wipe [things] down [there] with an alcohol hand sanitiser.” – Dr Norman Swan [3]
We would also recommend you bring and use your own personal items like drink bottles, mat, and towels. Also, try to go to the gym at off-peak times when it is less busy. And of course, limit the touching of your face while training and working out.
For group fitness classes precautions should be made; keep your distance from other members and refrain from making physical contact.
If you are sick refrain from going to the gym to prevent further spread. Lastly, here’s what Australia’s Chief Medical Officer has to say about whether it’s safe to go to the gym.
“I think the gym is fine. But everybody at the moment needs to practice very good hygiene, so if you’re going to the gym I would be very focused on handwashing, using hand sanitisers, all of that social distancing, good hygiene measures, we want everybody in the community to start practising those and to start thinking about how we will do social distancing in future.” – Professor Brendan Murphy [4]