Keep fitness up in the time of COVID-19: Stay cautious, adhere to cleanliness norms

New Delhi, March 13 (IANSlife): While you were busy binging during the winter festival months, you didn't quite account for the coronavirus outbreak and how it would dampen your fitness plans.

Read more to know further on how to combat the unforeseen attack and keep your fitness journey on.

The advisory released in public interest for all gyms/ fitness & yoga centres to strengthen the fight against coronavirus are being circulated across all cities to ensure that exercise facilities are extra cautious and adhere to proper sanitizing and cleanliness norms.

The impact of the coronavirus has had a drastic impact on several sectors in the world, including the fitness sector, which has seen a massive drop in terms of individual participation.

Speaking about the guidelines, Tahsin Zahid, Chief Operating Officer, SPEFL said, "exercise facilities need to be extra careful as these are the places for group gatherings and can act as a multiplier area, so it becomes imperative for gyms and fitness centers to help the government in controlling the spread of the virus."

"This does not mean people stop exercising, in fact, people shall do more exercises as it will help boost the immunity which can be helpful."

He further says, "Personal hygiene is the best preventive measure to avoid any chances of getting infected by coronavirus."

"Even the exercise facilities should adhere to basic hygiene systems like Gym Machine Sanitisation, Accessibility of Hand Sanitisers in the Gym, separate personal towels for each individual and regular disinfecting of washrooms and lockers." Tahsin Zahid added.

Precautions for proprietors:

1. Ensure the gym premises, weight machines, free weights, shower cubicles and changing rooms are sanitize during sessions.

2. Hand sanitisation stations should be accessible and functional.

3 Washrooms and lockers should be disinfected throughout the day.

4. Users should be made aware of personal hygiene practices.

Precautions for fitness enthusiasts:

1. Use personal towels and not gym-provided ones.

2. Cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing with disposable tissues.

3. Don't touch your face, mouth or try and wipe sweat without sanitising or washing your hands.

4. Don't attend sessions, group or personal, if you are feeling sick.

5. Wear a mask for group classes and in packed gyms.

6. Don't share personal items like bags, bottles, etc.

Finally, don't let coronavirus come in the way of your fitness routine as fitness will help keep your stamina up and to boost your immunity.

So flex away!