So many people have asked us whether we are going back to the gym or if we are restarting physical classes soon however, our answer is ‘No.’
Whilst the government has allowed gyms and many other establishments to open, we must remember that this has been done due to prevent our economy from falling further, rather than it being safe to do so. Our safety and our clients’ safety is our priority and, we personally don’t feel comfortable being in a gym where we are all breathing harder, sweating and touching different pieces of equipment.
The new gym rules range from:
• Booking in a fixed slot to work out
• One way systems inside the gym
• Classes to require everyone to be present at least 15 mins before a class.
• No showers or lockers
• Temperature Checks and much much more!
The other day, we (Shaf and Sonali) spoke about exercise as a get away for your mind, body and soul. Having the time to lead your body through different movements, breathing through each step and strengthening your body day by day. But we wondered how one can do this when they’re constantly feeling time pressured, pushed, being watched and monitored. We often lead our lives minute to minute and often with a great deal of pressure from both work to home - should we feel the same at the gym?
If you want to go to the gym then that’s great. Remember to keep safe, take precautions and plan your sessions in advance. Here are some tips for staying safe at the gym:
1. Contact your gym, ahead of your workout, to understand the limitations and precautions they will be taking that will affect you. You may need to reserve a block of time with staff cleaning the facility between blocks. Ask about cleaning and disinfecting policies and whether you'll be able to use the locker room or bathroom. If you are interested in group exercise classes, ask if they are being offered. This will help you make an informed decision and will also help you best prepare for your workout.
2. Clean your equipment. Be sure to clean your equipment before and after use. Some equipment that's difficult to clean, such as foam rollers and yoga blocks, might not be available
3. Social distance. Keep a safe distance between yourself and other members. Be polite and respectful. Where you could formerly share another person’s equipment in between sets, this will no longer be the case.
4. Allocate enough time for your workout. You might be used to running into the gym, getting in your workout and running back out to get to work or get home for dinner however, this will no longer be the case. Factors such as a one way system, no sharing equipment, cleaning between workouts and social distancing will mean that you need to allocate more time to your workout.
5. Change your workout. You may be really looking forward to doing a workout that you haven’t done in months. However, your former workout plan may have been based on using equipment from different sides of the gym or perhaps super-setting your exercises (performing one exercise after another which may include using different machines or pieces of equipment.) Perhaps there is a one way system in your gym where you can’t use a piece of equipment that you have passed already. Ring ahead to understand these limitations and use your first day back to understand the layout of the equipment. Thereafter, plan your workouts accordingly so that they are both logistically and physically effective for your safety and your goals.
Remember, if you decide to not go back to the gym and to stay at home then you can most definitely get in a brilliant and effective workout in the comfort of your living room. Just ask us and we can help you.
Whatever you decide know that there is no pressure to do one or the other (gym or stay at home). Whatever you do needs to be right for you, your safety and your mental and physical wellbeing.