Many of us go regularly to a gym or leisure centre for cardiac rehab and continuing exercise. Is this a risk? I have heard reports that gyms are likely to be a good source of infection as the damp sweaty conditions are ideal for virus survival. Is this true? Will going to a gym put us at an increased risk of getting infected with Covid-19? Are the reports true or is it another example of fake news?
Any health care professionals able to offer accurate advice?
HI Adrian1949
I've just started going the Stage 4 rehab in my local leisure centre.
I've noticed this week that everybody is wiping down the equipment before and after use, so that's good news.
As regards damp sweaty conditions, my gym has the aircon working overtime - it's set at 18 degrees, so it is decidedly cool in there.
Personally I'm intending to carry on going, and doing what the NHS has recommended, keep washing your hands and avoid touching your month/nose/eyes while out and about.
I'd have thought I'd be more at risk on a bus/train/tube or at a mass event with lots of people than in a gym
Not medically trained but done 2 sessions of NHS Rehab and at both they had wipes ready at the change signal for people to wipe down the handle grips. Also Gel for hands before and after the session. If the Rehab Nurse/Physio is there sure it's OK for you !!!
Regards
The wiping is normal practice, predates the present crisis. Once you complete rehab they will encourage you to carry on. I've been an independent gym user since October 2017, so no NHS supervision.
When I did rehab the main problem was faulty equipment. However hygiene was good. When I moved on to Phase
4 all the equipment worked but despite the availability of wipes, etc. hygiene was little practiced. It was a large gym with other groups and individuals about. A few days after my last session (advised by GP to give it up because of hip problems) I came down with nasty cold/flu symptoms. Connected? Who knows? Currently I would it go through the door!
Unlike on, say, the London Underground, at my gym there's quite a lot of space between people. By exercising basic hygeine I think the risks are lower in a gym than walking through a hospital or travelling on the Circle Line!
I will keep going to my stage 4 classes unless they close the centre. Wipes are available for equipment. Wash hands before and after class and use sanitiser regularly. I would use the same system when visiting supermarkets as well.
I go to the Heart Club that is co-located with The Royal Bournemouth Hospital. They have put out notices asking people not to attend if feeling unwell or coming in from abroad but that doesn't stop those who have it but not yet showing any symptoms or those idiots who don't care. Besides having heart issues I am currently on steroids for another matter. I rang the Club's Trainer Manager and discussed the situation with her and the recommendation for me was to stay away for the time being and exercise at home.
Have you discussed it with the gym?
Whatever you decide, take care.
It's not just the wiping down of equipment that is probably not to a good hygienic standard but the airborne fluid droplets from people exhaling at force and also aircon temps of 18c is probably an ideal temperature for the virus to survive, you need temperatures of 27c for the suppressing of the virus.
Personally I have stopped going anywhere that I cannot keep a good distance from anyone else.
I'm a personal trainer and have suspended my gym membership for the duration. There is no way that a gym with its rubber mat floors, cables, ropes, handles etc can be properly disinfected. Also, I can assure you that there are many who don't see the risk and will work out when they have a cough etc and you will be in close proximity. I'm going for brisk walks outside and doing some basic stretches and body weight exercises at home. There are heaps of these on YouTube if you need guidance.
Straight from the ‘ Horse’s Mouth ‘ ! Thank you
I agree with you CardiacManOz. On LBC yesterday (Fri 13/3) evening, a doctor was answering various Q's and this came up. His advice was that people with underying health problems give the gym a miss. Essentially, it was as per CMOz..
That's what I have read too; that and the air conditioning makes a perfect place to spread any virus. I think I'd be holding off for a few weeks. If you do go, wipe down anything y ou will touch and wash wash wash hands.
I am not medically trained. I am 3 months post op from aortic valve replacement. I am doing the cardiac rehab sessions locally. I have always kept myself exceptionally fit, and am itching to get back to the gym. However years of experience has taught me that the gym can be one of the worst places for picking up all kinds of infections. Many, many fitness fanatics are all too willing to push themselves too far, to ignore early symptoms of illness and continue training. Hence a gym can easily be a hotbed off potential bugs. It is for this reason that I am waiting until the coronavirus is well and truly over before I venture back to any gym.
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