Are Gyms Contributing to Covid?

As states ease coronavirus-related restrictions, many Americans are wondering whether it's safe to head back to the gym. Two new CDC reports are raising doubts, however—with one study finding the novel coronavirus infected 68% of gym-goers at one location.

Is it safe to go back to the gym during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you're not vaccinated, working out at home is still the safer alternative. However, if you do go back to the gym, do be sure to take extra precautions. In addition, know that the CDC states that participating in an indoor, high intensity exercise class is very risky.

What are some of the safety measures for gyms during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Close or limit access to common areas where employees are likely to gather and interact, such as
break rooms, outside the entrance, and in entrance/exit areas.
• Encourage social distancing of at least 6 feet between patrons and employees in all areas of the
facility, such as workout areas, classrooms, pools and saunas, courts, walking/running tracks,
locker rooms, parking lots, and in entrance/exit areas.
• If your gym has restaurants or juice bars, consult CDC restaurant guidance.
• Consider making foot-traffic single direction in narrow or confined areas, such as aisles and
stairwells, to encourage single-file movement at a 6-foot distance.
• Use visual cues such as floor decals, colored tape, and signs to remind workers and patrons to
maintain distance of at least 6 feet from others, including around training equipment, free weight
areas, at employee workstations, and in break areas.