After months of imposing lockdown rules during to the Covid-19 pandemic, the government has finally allowed gymnasiums to open under the third phase of unlocking the country.
However, gyms can be a tricky place to be in. According to a recent study done on different athletic training facilities, drugresistant bacteria, flu virus and other pathogens were found on about 25% of the surfaces tested.
Gyms are usually a closed environment with a high density of people sweating in a contained space. This makes transmission of communicable diseases more likely than open space or an open-air gym. Besides, the equipment used in gyms is high-traffic surfaces that can be difficult to sanitise due to their quirky shapes.
But this doesn’t mean that going to a gym will definitely get you infected. It points to the fact that using a gym will require increased alertness and adherence to public safety guidelines.
Take a look at a few things to keep in mind when you plan to resume going to the gym:
1. Avoid gyms if you are in a high-risk group: If you are above 60, below 10, pregnant woman, or undergoing treatment or medication that can affect your immunity, then going to a gym should be avoided for now. Instead, work out in open spaces or inside your house.
2. Open the windows: Since air-conditioning, especially centrally controlled ones, are not permitted yet, gyms using individual units may still use AC. However, better ventilation is one of the key aspects of precautions against coronavirus, so it is always advisable to open windows for peak natural ventilation. Avoid gyms situated in basements for now.
3. Check the temperature at the entrance of gym: Though there can be asymptomatic people, checking the temperature at the entrance adds an extra step for screening and improves chances to identify infected people.
4. Ensure hand hygiene: Install a hand sanitizer dispenser at the entrance that does not required being touched and ensuring everyone entering the gym is sanitising their hands — fingers as well as the gap between fingers.
5. Spray, wait, wipe & repeat: The surfaces of gym equipment can be contaminated easily. This makes sanitization of all equipment after every use essential. Clean any grime or dust from its surface first. Follow it with spraying a disinfectant and allow it time — a minute or so — to kill germs before wiping.
6. Allow lesser number of people at a time: This is crucial for maintaining social distancing norms inside the gym. Social distancing is critical in reducing the chances of the virus to spread. Decide on the number of people based on the area and connect with members to give them different slots to avoid crowding.
7. Use cloth masks: Inside the gym, use a cloth mask at all times, including light cardio or aerobic exercises. Maintaining social distancing may help to do highintensity exercises without masks.
8. Be prepared for emergencies: Emergencies can happen anytime; however, the established way to first aid and CPR may not work in the current circumstances. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not advisable now. Gyms should be associated with some nearby hospitals where emergency cases can be attended to without much delay. Besides, instructors should be trained in emergency medication and simple CPR techniques so that they can provide basic help.
Dr Manjeetha Nath Das is Senior Consultant, Internal Medicines, at Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurugram.
