Things seem to be getting back to normal in small ways for people. The ongoing pandemic is still a concern, as is the need to remain hygienic in public and at home, so safety is still a priority.
One of the things that people have started to do more now is head back to the gym, but this could be a place rife with bacteria. Gyms are full of sweat and spit so it is important to understand how to stay safe. Here are some tips on remaining disease or germ-free when you work out at the gym.
Wear a Mask When You Are Not At a Station
Masks are all the rage in 2020 but they also double as an important accessory in the gym too. As mentioned, gyms are full of people sweating, grunting, and expelling droplets. This spreads disease and bacteria everywhere, so when you are not doing your exercises at a squat rack, machine, or station, you should wear one while walking around. Some businesses may require it, but at least wear it when not actually exercising.
Bring Your Own Towel
Gyms often supply towels to help you wipe down machines or use them to help wipe your hands or face during an intense session. Depending on what kind of gym memberships you are looking for, some establishments may or may not allow you to bring in your own towel. If they do, then you should because it reduces the risk of transmission for diseases to have your own cloth to wipe yourself with.
Wash Hands Before and After Your Workout
You may be just as likely to transmit disease or bacteria to other people without knowing it, as they are to you. Knowing this, you should do your best to mitigate that risk for everyone by washing your hands before and after leaving the gym. Many people forget to wipe down their equipment after using it so it is a good idea to provide some peace of mind for yourself and to not track home anything unwanted by thoroughly washing your hands before you leave the locker room and head home.
Avoid Touching Your Face Too
One of the hardest things to do when avoiding disease is to stop touching your face. The mouth, eyes, and nasal passages are the most common places that disease can get through and at the gym, you may find yourself wiping away sweat or touching your face more often than usual. It may be hard to do, but try to be conscious of when you are touching your face and catch yourself before doing it too much. This is another good reason to bring your own towel so you are not directly touching your face area.
The gym is a good place to unwind and get back to a normal routine of working out but you still need to exercise caution. Gyms can be a place where a lot of contact and transmission of bacteria occurs so if you use these simple tips you can help stay safe from disease and enjoy your physical activity.