Should I Go Back to the Gym?

Great news! COVID-19 rates are finally beginning to decline and vaccinations are ramping up. So, does that mean that it’s time to head back to the gym?

Honestly, we’d still advise against it for the time being, but going back to your local gym is definitely safer at the moment than it has been during the past year. Whether you choose to head back to the gym or not, our AFC Urgent Care Smyrna team provides some effective workout strategies below.

How Safe Is the Gym Right Now?

Because gyms are indoors, your COVID-19 risk will increase. Unless every gym visitor is fully vaccinated, which means that he or she has waited two weeks after the full dosage of the specific vaccine, indoor gatherings of people without masks are still considered to be unsafe.

If you must go back to your gym, however, it’s important to sanitize workout equipment before and after use in addition to the other health-safety precautions that we’ve listed below to keep yourself and others healthy.

Ways to Stay Sanitary at the Gym

  • Wash your hands with soap and water often.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Remain socially distant from others.
  • Avoid using the locker room if necessary.
  • Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t readily available.
  • Use your own water bottle or other personal items.

Is Working Out at Home a Beneficial Alternative?

Absolutely! Truthfully, at-home workouts might be just as beneficial as workouts that are done at the gym.

Fancy gym equipment can be a great tool if used right, but well-executed bodyweight and cardio exercises can be just as, if not more, beneficial to your body. We’ve listed some more reasons to consider at-home bodyweight exercises below.

Reasons Why Bodyweight Exercises Are Beneficial

  • Cost-effectiveness. As opposed to expensive gym memberships, bodyweight exercises are free.
  • Can burn fat. Most bodyweight exercises are more high-energy, which will work to burn off fat.
  • Bodyweight exercises are generally safer. Regardless of your age, gender and current level of fitness, bodyweight workouts will keep your joints and bones healthy and maintain or boost your lean muscle mass.

Above all, AFC Urgent Care Smyrna wants you to stay healthy and well this year! If you do find yourself feeling under the weather, don’t hesitate to visit us for your general medical needs.