Is Gym-Based Exercise Safe Despite COVID-19?

For the general public, Assimilating and understanding the facts of the new coronavirus COVID-19 is not easy. As we continue to learn and understand the relevant facts, there is a question near and dear to our heart at Evolve Fitness Chicago: Is it safe for people to continue exercising at gyms?

For the safety and general knowledge of Evolve Fitness Chicago’s clients, friends, and trainers, and to develop our own appropriate safety protocols, we’ve attempted to assimilate both key facts of the virus, as well as develop an informed opinion as to whether gym-based exercise continues to be safe and advisable.

While you can draw your own conclusions from the facts, we feel that with the appropriate safety protocols, not only can gym-based exercise continue to be safe despite the spread of COVID-19, but gym-based exercise can in fact provide several important health and safety benefits during this uncertain time.

Here are some key facts about COVID-19:

• The virus is transmitted via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing that land in the mouth, nose, or eyes;

• The virus cannot pass through the skin;

• Infection can exist for up to 14 days prior to the appearance of symptoms, which can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; and

• While the virus is spread by people that are symptomatic, it may also be spread by people having the virus, but who have yet to develop symptoms.

Based on our review of the facts and expert opinions, Here is why we believe people should continue Gym-based exercise and feel safe doing so:

• The virus cannot be transferred via sweat or through the skin;

• Exercise helps your immune system function at a high level, which is important in fighting off illness; and

• Exercise relieves the stress that can arise for all of us as we deal with a variety of life challenges related to the emergence of COVID-19.

Here are the things you can do at the gym to protect yourself and others:

• Wash and/or sanitize your hands before, during, and after exercising;

• Avoid touching your face;

• If you must cough or blow your nose, only use disposable tissues and dispose of them immediately;

• Avoid anyone coughing or touching their face;

• Do not touch the hands of others;

• Following workouts, be sure to support your immune system through adequate sleep, healthy eating, and sufficient rest between vigorous workouts; and

• If you feel ill, or begin to feel ill, go home to prevent the potential spreading of the virus to others.

Here is What we’re doing to make sure that Evolve Fitness Chicago continues to be a safe and healthy environment for our clients and trainers:

• We are cleaning and disinfecting all gym equipment, door handles, and other frequently touched surfaces multiple times daily;

• We are providing disinfectant wipes for clients and trainers to wipe down equipment before and after usage;

• We are providing hand sanitizer to disinfect hands;

• We are providing hand soap and paper towels to disinfect hands; and

• We are lowering the studio temperature to avoid the humid conditions that can extend virus life span.

No matter what, We encourage everyone to do what makes them feel most comfortable and safe. By implementing and following the appropriate health and safety protocols, Evolve Fitness Chicago will continue to provide safe and healthy facilities and services to help our clients achieve both physical and mental health during these uncertain times.

Sources and reference material:

https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/use-your-immune-system-to-prevent-flu#1

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/COVID19-symptoms.pdf