I don’t know about you guys, but I think I just might be getting a little tired out of working out at home. I still love a good living room sweat session every now and then but this girl missed the gym. I’ve been going back 2-3 days out of the week and it’s exactly the break I’ve needed from my quarantine routine.
Now, don’t get me wrong. You do NOT have to hit the gym to make progress and challenge yourself. Home workouts have given us the opportunity to become more creative and I love that for us. But when it comes to building strength and just breaking away from home, the gym has become a little oasis for me. If your gym is open and you’re finally ready to start getting back to your pre-COVID routine, I got you.
How to Make the Most Out of the Gym During COVID
Let’s be real, the gym looks a little different these days and your safety and the safety is other is priority numero uno. If you don’t feel well or if you’ve been around anyone that was recently diagnosed with COVID-19, stay home! If you’re temperature/symptom free and feel ready to tackle the squat rack, read on.
Tip No. 1 Do Your Research
Before heading back to your gym, do a little research. Give them a call or go on their website to see which precautions they’ve enabled to keep their guests safe. At minimum, there should be social distancing guidelines in place as well as a limited capacity. Also ask about cleaning stations and provided wipes, sanitizer, etc. Some gyms have gone the extra mile by installing air purifiers/sanitizers. Either way, make sure you ask about what they’re doing and what YOU can do to make the gym a safe place for everyone when you visit.
Tip No. 2 Go Prepared
Now what you know what your gym is doing, it’s time to do your part. Pack hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes in your gym bag. Wear a mask on your way in and out – if you’re going to work out in a mask, make sure you go with one that is breathable and won’t cause any harm during activity. Plan to clean your own equipment before and after you use it.
Tip No. 3 Simplify Your Workout
To keep things as easy and clean as possible, try to keep your workout to as few machines/pieces of equipment as possible. I love using a cable machine because you can do all upper body and lower body moves in one place. The same goes for a set of dumbbells in different weights (find a corner and get to work) or a barbell. I also find that quicker, higher intensity workouts get me in and out of the gym touching as little as possible!
