For many of us a trip to the gym is part of daily life, but with fears surrounding the spread of coronavirus, it has become a source of great concern.  There is still much to learn about the novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID—19) and according to the CDC, based on what is currently known about the novel coronavirus, and similar coronaviruses, spread from person—to—person with these viruses happens most frequently among close contact (within about 6 feet).

Primarily transmitted via exhaled respiratory droplets, in most cases through coughing and sneezing, these droplets are more commonly passed from person to person versus surface to person however, it is prudent to regularly wipe down any commonly used objects and surfaces followed by disinfection as a best practice for prevention of COVID—19, and other viral respiratory illnesses, in households and community settings.

Clean is Kind

How can I stay safe at the gym during the coronavirus outbreak?  Visitors to the gym will likely worry about communal places and equipment because they fear coming into contact, directly or indirectly, with someone who can get them sick and it’s logical to think that the more people who touch shared objects—such as weights and cardio machines—the higher the risk that someone could leave behind a virus, potentially passing it on to others.  As a member you can play your part by following the guidance below—

Wash your hands with soap and water often— do this for at least 20 seconds
Always wash your hands when you get home, into work or arrive at the gym
Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available, or use both
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Stay away from the gym if you’re feeling sick or have been in contact with someone with the virus, or similar symptons.

How Gyms and Facilities Are Stepping Up

Ramping up sanitation practices, operators are going the extra mile by introducing new policies to reassure members of their safety with regular cleaning of all high—touch, high—traffic surfaces and using hospital—grade cleaners to sanitise exercise equipment, locker rooms, door knobs and the like as essential steps to prevent transmission.  PureGym recently published a notice on its website informing customers that it has “increased the level of cleaning and hygiene” in all gyms, including ensuring all hand sanitiser and soap dispensers are filled.  They also remind members to help reduce the spread of illness through good personal hygiene, including “frequent hand—washing during visits” and “covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing” whilst Equinox members recently received an email memo, which reported that the management disinfects all areas with a “hospital—grade solution” at the end of each day, but that it’s now “also introducing additional mid—morning and mid—afternoon disinfects as an extra precaution.”

Intenza Equipment Care and COVID—19

To protect your members whilst maintaining your best asset, cleaning gym equipment pre and post—use can create a safer exercise environment therefore, we recommend increased daily maintenance.  Wipe down machine frames, seats, handlebars, other powder coated surfaces and consoles with a soft cloth dampened in a solution of 75% ethanol— we suggest that you do not spray liquids directly onto Intenza products.  In order to maintain consistency, measure 600ml ethanol and 150ml water separately, then decant both liquids into a refillable bottle with spray nozzle.  Avoid using ammonia, acid—based or petroleum—based solvents on any surface area of Intenza equipment as this may damage the product or cause skin irritations.  After cleaning, it’s best to dry the frame completely with a clean cloth as this will prevent corrosion or rust from forming.  And, we further recommend the use of non—abrasive white cloths, for cleaning, drying and disinfecting surfaces, to avoid any colour transfer or surface abrasion.

You. Me. We

A healthy lifestyle is important for everyone.  Physical exercise combined with a balanced diet is the most natural way of creating and maintaining physical and mental energy.  Boosting our sense of wellbeing, exercise helps us feel more relaxed— in challenging times, committing to building and maintaining our healthy lifestyles becomes even more important.  In order to continue to thrive we must remain mindful, but not afraid.  #youmewe #howfitnessshouldfeel

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/cleaning-disinfection.html
https://www.puregym.com/coronavirus/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html