A recent large-scale academic study from the University of Oslo found that there is “no threat of increased COVID-19 spread” at fitness facilities, even when intensive training takes place. With those findings in mind, it seems sensible to assume that gyms in South Africa may re-open sooner than anticipated. But, when you do eventually head back to the gym that’s not to say there won’t be any risks involved and you’ll still be required to practice Covid-19 social distancing and safety protocols when working out in a space with others.
In addition to wearing a mask and ensuring you don’t touch your face throughout your workout, it’s also wise to clean any equipment and machinery you use before and after using it. To help make heading back to gym a little less daunting we’ve put together a handy guide to the best way to clean gym equipment and machines at the gym. The tips can also be applied to keeping your equipment clean while you exercise at home in anticipation for gyms to re-open.
Cardio and other gym machines:
Clean any machines you use before and after use:
This will ensure your exercise area is ready for you before you start and also clean for whoever comes next. To clean a machine simply spritz it with a cleaning spray before wiping it down with a folded paper towel. You can also clean the machine with sanitising wipes. Don’t use a gym or sweat towel to wipe down the machines you use. Be careful not to spray cleaning sprays directly onto screens and electrics. To clean these spray the solution onto a wipe before wiping down the screen.
Focus your cleaning on the main touch-points of equipment:
Be sure to wipe down all areas you will touch during use. This includes any handles, seats, adjustment points and buttons you may press. Wait a few seconds after wiping down. The cleaning liquid will need a few moments to work and dry, so wait 20 to 30 seconds before using so the surfaces aren’t slippery for use.
Once you’ve finished, give the parts of the equipment directly in front of you a wipe down – you’ll have been breathing over these areas during your workout. Don’t forget to clean your phone and water bottle – if you rested any of your own belongings on the equipment, or the water bottle holder, make sure to give these areas a wipe over too.
Throw away any paper towels, cloths and wipes in the bins provided. Don’t leave any used tissues on the gym floor or on the equipment.
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Free weights and equipment:
Clean equipment before and after use:
If you’re using free weights or any other gym equipment, be sure to clean the equipment before and after using it. hopefully whoever used it before you will have done the same, but it’s still important all gym-goers clean the kit before use as a precaution. Don’t use a gym or sweat towel to wipe down your free weights, use sanitising wipes or sanitising spray and a paper towel. If the paper towel or wipe you’re using begins to dry out while you’re cleaning a piece of kit, get another, or spray more disinfectant on the paper to finish up.
Rather than spray disinfectant directly onto the equipment, spray the solution twice onto a folded paper towel and use this to wipe over the entire surface area of the equipment. Be thorough and make sure to wipe all different parts of the equipment, not just the area you’ve been holding. If the weighted ends are fixed, make sure these have been carefully cleaned all over, including any ridges or indents.
Disinfect the entire surface of the equipment, not just touch-points:
If you’re using a barbell with weighted plates, clean not just the bar, but also any weighted plates you have used or will be using. It’s crucial that you wipe over the entirety of the bar and pay particular attention to the textured area where your hands will be gripping on.
Leave the equipment for 20 – 30 seconds after wiping before using it, to allow the disinfectant time to work and dry. Once you’re done, always dispose of used wipes and paper towels in a bin.
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