As the country slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, state and local governments are slowly opening up businesses again.

Gyms were severely affected during the partial lockdown and quarantine period and if you are a regular at the gym, you probably felt the void.

Across the country, gyms are opening up again.

What does that mean for you and your fitness?

In this post, we’ll go over 5 considerations you should make as you return to your gym.

3 things to consider as you return to your gym after COVID-19

Safety first

Although the number of new cases and deaths have reduced, SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 is still around.

With all their best efforts, researchers still have not come up with a vaccine for COVID-19. This means there is no way to prevent the disease caused by the virus. And when you get the disease associated with it, there is currently no cure. Doctors and nurses simply provide supportive care until the virus “passes”.

SARS-Cov-2 is highly contagious.

Thus it is more important than ever that you continue to be safe as you return to the gym.

Here are tips on how to do that.

• • Wipe down equipment thoroughly with disinfectant wipes before you use anything.
  • Clean your hands with sanitizer once you are done working out. Gyms may provide both disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers but we recommend carrying your own as a back-up.
  • Wearing a mask or face covering has been a CDC recommendation since April 2020. However, working out with a mask on is not advisable as this reduces how much oxygen you are breathing in as you exercise.
  • As soon as you arrive home from the gym, take a shower.
  • Launder your gym clothes as much as possible throughout the week. You may have been able to get away with washing your gym clothes once a week in the past (wink!). In the current environment however, it is best to wash them throughout the week to prevent the spread.
  • Keep your gym “stuff” in a dedicated area and away from family.
  • Continue to use social distancing rules while you are at the gym.

Ease your way back into your routine

Don’t let your enthusiasm of getting back to the gym get you injured!

You haven’t used certain equipment or muscle groups in over three months.

It’s important to ease your way back into your gym exercise routine so that you don’t injure yourself.

If you need to work with a personal trainer for those few initial first weeks when you return to the gym, please do so.

It’s okay to not return to the gym until you’re comfortable

If you’re not comfortable going back to the gym even after your favorite gym reopens, that is alright.

The global pandemic has been traumatic for people around the world.

You may have even had loved ones who were affected by COVID-19. It is alright to take a step back and continue “non-gym” workout routines that are helping you meet your fitness goals.

You may find that some of your gyms offer virtual workout sessions.

This is an excellent alternative to going to a physical gym. Take advantage of these as well.

As the world opens up again and gyms open up, everyone has a choice to make. Our recommendation is to err on the side of safety.