Returning to the Gym After COVID
Are you fully vaccinated and planning on returning to the gym after COVID? As excited as you are to return to “normal life,” we know you might also have a lot of questions about what this will look like.
In this post, we’ll cover helpful tips for returning to the gym after COVID-19 to make this transition as seamless as possible.
Consider Vaccine Timing
Have you only received your first vaccination, or has it not been two weeks since your second injection?
Be sure to wait until you reach the two-week mark after your last vaccine to return. This gives you the security of knowing you have significantly lower odds of being infected with COVID-19. Guidance from the CDC suggests that two weeks after the final dose of your vaccine is when protection from the vaccine reaches 90%.
Research Your Gym’s Safety Protocols
Many gyms around the country are subject to new safety protocols brought on during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as the country continues to reopen, many facilities are keeping a level of physical distancing in place, as well as other safety protocols. Before returning to the gym after COVID, contact your gym to find out about the protocols they are following. For starters, this will save you any surprises when you show up. But it can also give you peace of mind if you are nervous about returning.
It’s also worth asking about ventilation in indoor facilities. Many gyms upgraded their ventilating systems over the last year. This is particularly useful in spaces where aerobic activity is frequent.
Consider Outdoor Classes
It’s a great time of year to enjoy outdoor fitness classes. This can also help keep you safe and comfortable until COVID-19 is no longer on the front of everyone’s mind. If you are not fully vaccinated but you still want to enjoy group fitness, outdoor classes provide an especially beneficial alternative.
Be on the Lookout
Even if your gym is open and you’re ready to return, it’s important to remain on the lookout for any potential safety risks. Notice fellow gym goers are not adhering to protocols or guidelines in place? We encourage you to inform gym management staff. Often, this is just a result of that patron not being aware of the rules and it can be addressed quickly.
If your gym has other guidelines in place, including more frequent sanitizing practices, this is something else to look for. Some gym goers are choosing to bring their own sanitizing equipment to thoroughly wipe down equipment before and after using it.
Returning to the Gym After COVID with Xtend Fitness
The safety and well-being of Xtend Fitness patrons is our top priority at all times. You can rest assured that we follow all safety guidelines and have adopted new sanitation practices to help you return to the gym safely. We also offer outdoor classes so you can choose the best format for your needs.
If you’re not quite ready to return to the gym, we also offer online training for fitness and nutrition to help you reach your wellness goals from home.