The prospect of returning to the gym is exciting, but nerve-wracking at the same time.
It has been a long time since we were last able to set foot in a gym, and whilst they have been missed massively, in the current climate their reopening is quite daunting.
This can lead to something known as gym anxiety.
Before returning to the gym, it is important to make yourself aware of the differences you are likely to be faced with, as well as understand how to make the most out of each visit.
How will gyms be different?
Booking
You will no longer be able to rush to the gym last minute when you decide to try a new class. Booking will now be required for classes and potentially for using the gym itself. This allows the crossing over of individuals to be regulated as well as extra time to be allotted for cleaning and sanitising between classes.
Time Limits
With the arrival of time limits, you will no longer spend time chatting away to other gym-goers, instead you will aim to get your gym session done as concisely as possible to make the most of your time. There will be no changing rooms open and therefore no opportunity to shower post-workout. You will thus be expected to arrive and leave in your sportswear.
Sanitisation
Sanitising will become common practice. Every gym member will be asked to sanitise their hands on the way in, before and after using gym equipment, and on their way out. It will likely not be mandatory to wear gloves or a mask, but members can wear them if they choose. People will also be required to wipe down equipment before and after use, and there will be increased cleaning by staff throughout the gym.
Distance
With social distancing being a thing of the times, it will come as no surprise that you will be expected to keep your distance from other gym-goers. There will also be an increased distance between each piece of equipment, so you will never have to get too close to another person. Working out in pairs (unless with a PT) and spotting are also likely to be discouraged.
Temperature Checks
Some gyms have announced that they will be performing temperature checks on individuals before they enter into the gym building. This will allow gym staff to prevent those with a slightly raised temperature (a coronavirus symptom) entering the vicinity, thus keeping the spread of the virus at bay.
Limited Capacity
In order to abide by social distancing rules, numbers will be limited in the gym. This may involve queuing before entering the gym, something we are all having to come to terms with.
How can a Personal Trainer aid your gym return?
Make the most out of your time
Due to the new rules likely to be implemented, you will have to make the most of every moment spent in the gym. Opting for a personal trainer can be an effective way to work out in the new climate.
Instead of wasting your time wondering what to do next, or how to make your session as effective as possible, your PT can do the thinking for you. From the moment you enter the gym, your personal trainer will have your session underway, so you won’t spend more time in the gym than necessary. This will minimise your exposure whilst maximising your workout.
Stay injury free
When returning to the gym after a long time out, it may be easy to get carried away and do too much too soon. This can end badly and result in even longer periods of time without exercising due to injury.
A personal trainer will use their experience to prevent you from overexerting yourself before your body is ready. They will know exactly how to increase your fitness whilst avoiding injury. Your PT will identify the appropriate intensity level and develop you a programme that gets you fit safely. With their guidance, you will back to full fitness in no time.
Structure
Over the lockdown period, a lot of us have lost our regular daily structure. Previously, this meant heading to the gym before or after work, or even in your lunch hour.
With the reopening of gyms, you can now regain some structure to your day. If you are interested in getting a personal trainer, the structure of having to turn up at a set time can help organise your day.
Boost motivation
For some, exercising alone doesn’t boost your motivation to exercise. This means, without being able to train with a friend you may find the motivation to train difficult.
Opting for a personal trainer means you not only have someone to train with but also guide and motivate you. Having a PT session booked will help peel yourself away from the TV or laptop screen and into the gym for some much needed exercise. The extra motivation and encouragement a PT can provide will no doubt have an effect on the quality of your workouts.
If you are planning on returning to the gym when it reopens, educate yourself on the differences and consider how you can make the most out of your time.
At Trojan Fitness, we are always happy to help so if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to get in touch.
