5 Tips for Returning to the Gym

Are your clients ready to return to the gym but not quite sure how to do it or what to expect? Many gyms have implemented a variety of protocols to help keep their members safe while still allowing them to get back to their gym routines. We'll explore some of them in our recommendations to help you guide your clients back to their fitness center as safely as possible.

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5 Tips for a Successful Return to the Gym

Not everybody is ready to head back to the gym. But, for those that are, the following list includes tips to help make the transition!

1. Know Your Gyms Safety Protocols and Requirements

Many fitness centers have done a good job using their website to communicate the modifications they've made to help keep their members safe. Before clients head back to the gym, they need to understand those changes and requirements so they can properly adhere to them. Here are a few examples:

• Reservations: Clients may need an appointment/reservation to attend the gym or participate in a specific fitness class

• Temperature checks: Some gyms may require a temperature check for gym entry

• Masks: Clients will want to have a good understanding of when and where masks are required within the gym (at all times, upon gym entry and exit, at all times except for cardio equipment use, etc.).

• Social distancing requirements: Most gyms have spaced out or blocked off some strength and cardio equipment to align with social distancing guidelines.

• Kid's club rules: For those that use their gym's childcare, it's important to ensure the kid's club is open, determine if reservations are needed, and understand what other requirements are in place to ensure everyone's safety.

• Club/Class hours: Make sure to check the club's hours as well as fitness class hours. Many class times have been modified to allow for proper social distancing as well as time to properly disinfect the equipment and space between uses.

2. Take It Slow

Closed gyms, shelter in place, kids at home, and extra stress have made it hard for many people to maintain a regular workout routine. And, for some, exercise stopped entirely. Detraining can happen in as little as 2 weeks (1) and muscle mass, strength, or cardiovascular endurance may have decreased for many clients. Clients may not be able to do everything they did before Covid-19. They will need to be cautious of working out too hard too soon as it can result in injury. They may feel like they are starting back at the square one, but the body should adapt with training, time, and consistency ("muscle memory").

3. Stay Home If You're Sick

This is the common theme of every social experience right now—don't come if you aren't feeling well. Although there are many people anxious to get back into their exercise routine and a little bit of normalcy, it's important to take care of yourself and protect others. And, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), one of the best ways to do that is by staying away from other people (social distancing) (2).

4. Make Disinfecting a Conscious Habit

All fitness equipment should be disinfected before and after use by each individual. This should be a regular practice with or without Covid-19 because many communicable diseases can be spread at the gym. It may require a little extra time and energy, but many gyms have numerous cleaning stations to help make it easier for everyone.

5. Be Aware of How Changes Might Alter Your Normal Routine

Because many gyms are adjusting to align with the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to provide a safe space for gym members, it's important for clients to be aware of how those changes might modify their exercise routine.

• Limited fitness class sizes: The downsizing of group fitness classes can affect clients in a few different ways:

  • Friends may not be able to participate in the same class together

  • Reservations for a group fitness class may need to be made several days in advance because the class may fill up quickly

  • Group class times may have been changed to an earlier or later time

  • Class location may have moved to support a larger number of participants (relocated to the basketball courts, outdoor parking lot, etc.).

  • Clients may be required to bring their own equipment (yoga mat, towel, etc.) to eliminate shared equipment

• Social distancing on the fitness equipment:The gym can be a social place but those talks with friends, while on the cardio equipment, may be difficult to do respectfully now that the equipment is six feet apart.

• Locker room changes:Many gyms have made modifications to the locker room space to support safety protocols:

• • Some gyms are limiting the usage of sinks and showers to ensure proper social distancing measures. For those that use the gym showers, if there is limited shower availability, extra time and planning may be required during busy times at the gym.

• • Hairdryers and toiletries have been removed from common spaces in some locker rooms. This could pose an issue if a client is used to having those available as a part of their routine.

• • Locker space may also be limited in some fitness facilities. Clients will want to keep that in mind when determining whether or not to bring a gym bag.

If clients aren't yet comfortable heading back to the gym, many gyms and personal trainers have been incredibly resilient and adapted to new ways to support their clients. Online training, classes, and resources are readily available. So, encourage clients to do what feels best for them.

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References

1. Joo, Chang Hwa. "The effects of short-term detraining and retraining on physical fitness in elite soccer players." PloS one vol. 13,5 e0196212. 10 May. 2018

2. Center for Disease Control. (2020, July 15). "Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation." Cdc.Gov. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html