Working out in the time of coronavirus: Here are 6 precautions I take at the gym

Fitness always comes first for me. But these days, the dilemma of whether or not I should hit the gym is also giving me sleepless nights–all thanks to coronavirus.

With 42 confirmed coronavirus cases in India, spread far and wide–right from Kargil to Kerala–safety comes first. And there is no doubt that gyms are one of the most unhygienic places you can visit. After all, this is the place where sweaty people touch dumb-bells, floors, mats, and what not.

While the sweat in itself isn’t a problem, sharing equipment and mats can put you at risk–because coronavirus can survive on surfaces upto nine days.

So, I have resorted to taking some precautions so that keep myself safe and sound (well, as much as anyone can) from the threat of COVID-19:

1. I take my own floor mat to the gym
Floor mats are a hotbed of germs and I ensure that I don’t use the common mats available for everyone at the gym. Although they are sanitized, I don’t want to take a chance in the season of COVID-19.

2. I use a disinfectant for my gym gloves
While I can’t avoid using gloves at the gym while lifting weights, I ensure that I sanitize them regularly. Here’s how I go about it: I dilute a liquid disinfectant (like Dettol) with water, and store it in a spray bottle. After every gym session, I spray this solution generously on my gloves and keep them in the sun for effective termination of any germs.

3. I always carry a hand sanitizer with me
You can always find a hand sanitizer in my gym bag. I use it to sanitize my hands properly before wearing my workout gloves. And if I am doing floor exercises or using equipment without my gloves, I ensure I sanitize my hands two to three times while working out.

4. I always take a bath after hitting the gym
Not only is this hygienic even when coronavirus is not in the picture, in the current situation it ensures that I don’t carry any bugs with me from the gym to my home.

Also read: Soap and sanitizer will only kill coronavirus if used correctly, says this American expert

5. I avoid touching my face and nasal area again and again
With almost all doctors and health organisations advising this as a way to prevent a coronavirus infection, this also keeps skin allergies at bay. I always carry a hand towel with me and ensure that I don’t touch any equipment with it. After each use, I wash it properly.

6. I have started training outdoors
I love doing cardio–but I no longer limit myself to running on treadmills and cross-trainers. I have started running in the open and doing jumping jacks and skipping in my terrace garden. Open space and less people means a lesser risk of coronavirus. Not to mention, that fresh air is also up for grabs.

So, that’s how I deal with the risk of coronavirus without sacrificing my gym sessions. Hope you too will take these precautions and stay safe!