After months of closure, many gyms have started re-opening, albeit with certain restrictions in place. For example, a lot of gyms will only allow members use the facilities during specific timeslots. Many people are excited to visit their gym after so many months, but also have legitimate concerns regarding when it comes to their health and safety.

If you want to be able to stay fit without compromising your health and hygiene, follow these 8 essential tips to stay safe while using the gym.

• Plan in advance

It is advisable to check in advance if the gym is open and allowing members. Traveling all the way to the gym only to find it shut or crowded can be disappointing. If the gym is open, then check what time you can visit in order to avoid going at a time when it is packed with too many people. This will help you to avoid crowds, which is essential for maintaining proper distance from other members while exercising. Also check how long you’re allowed to access the gym, as many gyms are allotting time slots to their members to avoid crowding and maintain safety.

• Gym Access Control

Check if your gym has effective gym access control. They should have a system that makes it easy for members to enter the gym with hands-free access control. This is important because hands-free access makes the gym entrance COVID-safe and reduces the risk of spreading any infection or virus. It also helps in avoiding long queues to enter and makes the entry quick and hassle-free. This system also helps in tracking the number of members present in the gym and so helps in avoiding over-crowding.

• Maintain exemplary hygiene

It goes without saying that maintaining hygiene is a must while going to the gymas multiple people might have used the equipment before you. All gyms have to follow necessary guidelines and sanitise all equipment regularly. It is also your responsibility as a gym user to wash your hands regularly, maintain distance from other members and also make sure that you sanitise equipment after using it. This will help in minimising the risk of cross infection of any virus or bacteria.

• Report anyone who’s sick

Unfortunately, you’re likely to encounter gym members how don’t realise they’re sick, or take their illness lightly. If you come across any member in the gym who is sneezing or coughing, then it is best to report them to gym authorities who will then take necessary action to ensure the health and safety of all other gym members. Do not hesitate to report sick members since this is in the best interest of your safety as well as that of other members.

• Practice social distancing

Apart from checking with the gym in advance to avoid crowds, it is important to avoid using any pieces of equipment which are close to equipment which is already occupied by another gym member. This is an essential part of maintaining social distancing in the gym. Distancing yourself from other members while exercising can make all the difference when it comes to not contracting COVID-19.

• Shower at home

Many people prefer to shower at the gym straight after exercising. However, it is a much better idea to shower at home after your exercise to avoid using changing rooms which involves a high risk of infection. Changing rooms are typically used by most gym members and are generally crowded. Showering at home is the safest way to avoid catching any virus or infection from other users. In the same way, always put on your gym wear before coming to the gym to avoid using the changing room completely. It is best to even bring your own towels and water bottles from home.

• Wear gym gloves and sweatbands

It can be risky to touch the gym equipment while exercising. Though all gyms are supposed to follow sanitisation guidelines and disinfect each piece equipment after use, there is always a risk that you may pick up the virus with direct contact with the equipment. Wearing gym gloves and sweatbands will mean you avoid having a direct contact with the equipment and adds an extra level of protection.

• Don’t go to the gym when you’re sick

This last tip is important for looking after your health as well as safeguarding the health of other gym users. If you are feeling sick or have any symptoms at all, then it is best to avoid heading to the gym. If you do, you might be responsible for infecting other gym members, who may in turn infect others. Therefore, it is essential that you avoid going to the gym even if you have slight cough or a minor cold. If you do experience any symptoms, it is important to isolate and seek medical advice.