Hit the Gym or Stay at Home?
Mark PasayOur Take on the Corona Virus and How It's Potentially Limiting Our Gym Routine.
While doing our best to siphon through the vast amount of information available on the internet from the media about the corona virus; we are being led to believe things will get worse before they get better. We now have a possible pandemic on our hands. Medical professionals, scientists from CDC and WHO are scrambling left and right to find a way to beat COVID-19's butt. In the meantime, should we sweat it out and hit the weights like everything is normal?
Based on recent findings, the virus is not airborne, nor can it be transmitted by sweat. COVID-19 is believed to spread through respiratory droplets by an infected person coughing or sneezing. There’s also a possibility a person can get COVID-19 by touching an object or surface that has the virus and then touching their mouth, nose and even scratching of their eyes.
If there’s anything positive we can take away from this widespread concern, it's to be self-aware about our health and hygiene. And yes, staying fit is a part of that. Emphasis on the “part”. Right now there is no sure fire way of avoiding it and people panicking on social media saying “this and that” spreads fear, not awareness. At the risk of inaccuracy by the time this article gets published, we’d rather not use the current statistics and geographical data on which region is more affected than any other. As of this very moment, it is better to be healthy than sorry. Here are a few things you should know if you decide to hit the gym;
Avoid the Casual Touch
The gym can be a pretty energetic and testosterone filled area and we get why lifters tap, slap or high five each other while training… but don’t. Instead, nod at your friend from a distance or do the elbow five.
Aubree Gordon, associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health states that the virus does not pass through skin – ”You have to touch mucous membrane that will serve as a portal or entry, like your eyes, nose or mouth.” As a remedy, we advise to use cloth gloves or weight lifting gloves and to always wash your hands with water and soap for 20 seconds before and after you leave the gym premises.
Supplements, Vitamins and Immune Boosters are Not A Proven Solution.
Mikhail Varshavski a reputable family doctor from New Jersey and Youtube vlogger says “There is no such thing as an immune boosting supplement that can protect you from the COVID-19 virus.” Keep your immune system healthy by having 7-9 hours of night sleep consistently, get vaccinated if you aren’t already, exercise, eat healthy and proper hygiene are the best methods to do it – he added.
The Equipment
According to a Harvard medical school post, their gym facilities like gym pool, sauna and equipment are relatively safe to use, so long as you practice proper hygiene. Remember to always wash your hands for 20 seconds after touching the equipment. Avoid touching your face, with the use of sweat headbands so you won’t need to.
This article is strictly our opinion based on the information we were able to find online and is not to be taken as factual or scientifically or medically proven. Please do your own research and above all stay safe while pursuing your fitness goals.
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl2nA_xuHjY
https://www.nytimes.com/news-event/coronavirus
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/08/health/coronavirus-gyms-safety.html
