Like so many other facets of our lives in recent months, the pandemic has changed the way we work. Many gave up the idea of going to the gym when quarantine restrictions closed gyms for many months. Now gyms, yoga studios, and other fitness facilities have reopened and many have been rotated for safe training conditions. Generally, when the weather gets colder, many people return to the gym rather than exercising outdoors. However, things are a little more complicated these days because in 2020, so what should you be doing? Are you looking for a safe training room in times of the pandemic?
Christina Proctor, Clinical Professor of Health and Behavioral Promotion at the UGA School of Public Health, explains that there are a few basic factors to consider in order to find a safe place to exercise, but these criteria vary. depending on the location and the health and risk factors of each individual.
"I think it's very important that people monitor COVID-19 levels in their community when making decisions about indoor exercise," says Proctor. "Check the Georgia Department of Public Health website daily and check the tests for positivity. This is the percentage of COVID-19 tests that are positive in your area. A higher rate indicates that the virus is spreading in the community or that tests are not widespread enough. Most epidemiologists agree that you want a positive test result rate of less than 5%. Clarke County currently has a 7-day moving average of 4.4%. If you live in an area below this threshold, the chances of coming into contact with an infected person are much lower. However, if that number goes up, it might be a good idea to take your workout outside. ""
What to look for in a gym
While there are risks associated with going to gyms, there are many things that athletes and institutions can do to reduce their risk. The more people and gyms that follow CDC guidelines, the lower the risk of spreading it, Proctor says.
"If someone wants to use a gym or work out indoors, I encourage them to find a well-ventilated facility with a mask and spatial exercise equipment, using tape or markers to remind people to keep their distance. She is 6 feet tall, has hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes throughout the facility, and does daily in-person or virtual health checks, "she says. "However, it is important to remember that four in ten people infected with COVID-19 have no symptoms. Therefore, these health exams will only identify people with symptoms.
"They also want to go to a gym that has flexible sick leave for their employees," adds Proctor. "One of the best ways for people to protect themselves and others is to wear a mask when exercising indoors. I wouldn't go to a gym right now that didn't put face covering on.
Athens-Clarke County has an ordinance that allows masks to be worn in public places, but businesses can choose to depart from the ordinance under state law.
Good ventilation is another important factor in finding a safe exercise facility. "I think of my hometown gym, which was stuffy and half the size of the locker room we have here at UGA," says Proctor. "Space is important, as is air circulation. Therefore, we can reduce the risk by keeping people separate in the premises, opening doors and windows, and making sure the fans are working properly and the air filters are kept clean.
The most important thing is to ensure that all of these safety precautions are followed. Combined masking, social distancing, hygiene, and ventilation efforts have been shown to make the biggest difference in the spread or contraction of COVID-19.
For Athens-based Lindsey Lovette, the pandemic was an opportunity to focus on her fitness goals again. Through a combination of online workouts at home and a return to personal workouts when the gyms were allowed to reopen, Lovette has lost more than 70 pounds so far in 2020. It took me a while to get back to the gym and feel good again, she says. But just as many of us got used to wearing masks, taking extra precautions, and learning to deal with fears associated with being on the move again, you eventually learned to adapt and be comfortable when you did go to the gym again.
"You have to decide if it's right for you. I tried it first, "says Lovette. "I felt comfortable with it. I think anyone who goes to a gym knows we are in danger. But at the gym I go to, they really do their best to keep everyone safe.
Your gym limits class size to 8-12 people, depending on the type of class. It also requires more than six feet of space between the equipment stations; Temperature controls are mandatory and masks are mandatory for entering and walking. The staff cleans thoroughly and the staff and customers keep cleaning.
Physical benefits aside, being able to visit a small gym every day where you often see the same eight people, even remotely, allows you to socialize a little outside of work. Such a small, cohesive group also creates an atmosphere where everyone is responsible for each other's health and creates a safer training environment, Lovette says.
Exterior options
However, one group of people who should completely avoid the gym are those with pre-existing medical conditions that would increase their risk of complications from COVID-19. People in this group should choose to exercise outdoors or find a gym that closely follows the guidelines whenever possible, Proctor said. Fortunately, there are a variety of outdoor options, plenty of local businesses to help you find gear to prepare for changing weather conditions, and plenty of online home exercise options offered by local businesses.
"I've been running for over 21 years and I can tell you that there really isn't any bad weather," says Proctor. "It all depends on your gear and clothing. I love running during the winter months and the athletics and cycling industries have developed great equipment to keep you warm and safe during the cold, dark winter months. People who started running, jogging, or biking outdoors during the pandemic can continue these activities throughout the winter with the appropriate equipment.
Local companies selling jogging and cycling equipment include Fleet Feet Athens, Athens Running Co., The Hub, Georgia Cycle Sports, Sunshine Cycles, and Ben's Bikes. The non-profit organization BikeAthens also sells reconditioned bicycles and carries out repairs.
Athens also has many outdoor recreational areas. Although the basketball and volleyball courts in CCA parks are closed, distance social sports like tennis and golf are relatively safe, and the North Oconee River Greenway and other public avenues remain open.
"Walker Park, formerly Trail Creek Park, has outdoor exercise equipment, a greenway, hiking and mountain biking trails, and two hiking trails," says Proctor. "UGA Intramural Fields has a practice trail and great walking and running trails. People can spread their yoga mats or do Pilates in an open space in one of the parks. I know there are personal trainers in Athens who meet people in outdoor fields with free weights and equipment and top quality training. If you need external motivation, online courses are a great option. ""
If the thought of leaving home to challenge the gym is too hard and you prefer to work out in the comfort of your own living room or backyard, there is always room to support local businesses by looking for local online class options. For example, Revolution Therapy & Yoga, formerly Rubber Soul, changed when the gyms closed this spring and now offers a variety of donation-based online classes.
The pandemic, says yoga teacher Nicole Bechill, provided an opportunity to explore things like trauma-conscious yoga and focused her collective vision for the company in a direction that would help the community deal with trauma. that we're all going through right now. experience a pandemic. She is currently teaching an online course from her own outdoor area at home and says the social aspect has been a positive experience.
"It feels good to get in touch with the people on Zoom courses and it's nice to socialize," says Bechill. "It also gave me an excuse to connect with people I hadn't seen in a while and invite them to take my online course."
In addition to online classes, Revolution also offers a personal yoga class, limited to just three people, offering a variety of therapy options for anyone struggling with the wellness side of mental health.
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