How to minimise the risk of corona when you workout

Fitness studios and other sports facilities across Germany are opening their doors again. But we’ve known for a while that the way we train won’t be the same as it was before.

But, with summer just round the corner, there is a way to get outside without fear, because the fitter you are, the better your immune system works and the less severe your symptoms will be.

Although contact restrictions will remain in place until 29 June, federal states are relaxing measures more and more due to the successful containment of the virus. But hygiene rules apply and these have been implemented across all our partner sites so that you can workout safely and without fear.

Is training in a gym safe despite the Corona crisis?

Our partners are taking all necessary measures to ensure you can workout in a clean and hygienic environment. Just check out how Holmes Place and Just Fit are doing it! 

Many of us might be asking ourselves whether training in our favourite studios is safe despite safety precautions? 

Ensuring safety depends on how well you as an individual follow the implemented precautions to avoid possible infection. That’s why we’ve summarized what you should pay attention to in order to train safely and responsibly indoors during these uncertain times. All information is based on the guidelines from the German government against COVID-19. 

1. If you feel sick, stay at home

If you feel ill, you shouldn’t train at all. Stay at home if you have symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat. The incubation period of the coronavirus, i.e. the time between infection and first symptoms such as cough or sore throat, is between 2 and 10 days.

Here’s some important information about the symptoms and the course of the virus: According to Dr. Jochen Hahn of the Leipzig Heart Centre, it’s recommended you check your pulse every morning. That will tell you before any symptoms appear whether your immune system is weakened. If your resting heart rate in the morning is higher than usual, you should refrain from training.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after training

Wash your hands thoroughly for 30 seconds between your fingers and on the back of your hands. Be sure to dry your hands with disposable towels and never with towels that others use.

3. Keep your distance from others

For the time being, you should avoid handshakes or hugs with your studio buddies. If you have to cough or sneeze, hold the crook of your arm in front of your mouth (not your hand!). Make sure you always keep the recommended minimum distance to the person exercising next to you.

4. Attend group courses only in well ventilated rooms or outdoors

For group courses it’s particularly important you keep sufficient distance from your neighbour. It’s also important the room is well ventilated so that no “standing” germs remain in the air. 

A good alternative is to move indoor courses outside. All trainees should look in one direction during group training. This means that you should not face anyone, but will have your back to the person behind you. The prescribed minimum distance should also be maintained by the trainers who are facing the room.

5. Disinfect the equipment!

You will find disinfectant spray on all fitness equipment and in the weight area of all gyms. Whenever you change equipment, spray it consistently on the handles and every surface that you’ve touched at each respective station and clean it for 30 seconds. To be on the safe side, disinfect the equipment BEFORE you train, because you never know how thorough your predecessor was when cleaning.

Wipe the surfaces with the disposable paper towels provided and dispose of them. always have a clean towel with you and use it at all stations in the studio to make sure you catch your sweat.

6. Be conscious of what you touch!

It’s possible to pick up the virus via door handles, cabinet door keys and even cash. Viruses can survive on these surfaces at room temperature for about four days. In gyms you have the same risk of infection as in any other public place. So pay attention to hand hygiene, not only when entering but also when leaving the gym. Try not to touch your face with your hands. 

Sports with a face mask

In all federal states everyone must wear a face-mask, especially when shopping and using public transport. But more and more people are thinking about wearing a mask during sports to protect others.

It’s not compulsory to wear a mask during sports. However, if you do decide to do so, make sure that the mask doesn’t get sweaty and thus become ineffective. Check to see if the mask is interfering with your breathing and with your exercise form.

Any questions?

Our expert Ralph Scholz is chairman of the board of the German Industry Association for Fitness and Health (DIFG) e.V. and will answer any questions you have in a Q&A session on our Instagram channel.

Take the opportunity to check out our Instagram channel today – you can submit your questions via your story and soon you’ll be well-equipped to understand “Sport in times of Corona”.

We can all agree on one thing – panic does not help fight Coronavirus – so stay calm, build a strong immune system and stay physically active. By sticking to a strict hygiene regime and maintaining social distancing, you will be able to get fit without fear of infection!

The tips in this article are not intended to replace medical advice. Please always consult your family doctor if you’re unsure. Have fun doing sports!