Not Sure About Going Back to The Gym

I reinstated my gym membership this summer, after I was fully vaxxed. I go to one in Orange County CA, where masks are encouraged but there isn't a mandate, so mask use is VERY sporadic. I put my mask on in the parking lot and keep it on till I'm back in my car after my workout. I also use hand sanitizer every time I switch machines. I've stayed healthy, and it's really picked up my mood. You sound smart and careful, so I say go back.

Do you go to Cut Fitness, r1?

Wear an N95 rather than a cloth or paper mask, and never take it off anywhere within the building.

Thanks R1. I know this is DL, but sometimes real advice here is invaluable. I feel like staying inside forever is a slow death and is unrealistic—and it’s time to get busy living or get busy dying.

Are there smaller boutique-type fitness places you can go to for strength, yoga, etc? I agree that staying inside forever is slow death, but even before COVID, gyms were the best place to pick up the virus of the day. For at least this winter, I think I'm going to wait out the gym a little longer & explore other options.

Echoing r3, I mentioned in another thread I wear a KN95 mask to the gym and I feel pretty safe. Almost no one in my gym wears a mask (and if they do, they usually leave their nose uncovered, or such nonsense). Of course, I'm in NYC, where everyone has to show proof of vaccination to get in, so that may be less scary than TX (where I assume no such mandates are in place). A KN95 (or N95) might not be the most fun to wear when lifting heavy (and breathing heavy), but I've mostly gotten used to it while squatting or with deadlifts. But I feel as safe as possible.

[quote] Wear an N95 rather than a cloth or paper mask, and never take it off anywhere within the building.

How do you wear a mask in the steam room? Is it uncomfortable?

[quote] I put my membership on hold earlier this year, around the time everyone was getting vaccinated, figuring it was just a matter of time before things returned to normal.

Why didn’t you put your membership on hold way earlier than that, like for the whole year before vaccines became available?

I think going there for nothing but strength training wearing a mask, not using the locker room except to use the bathroom, and doing cardio outside might be a good alternative.

R5 I feel like smaller ones would be worse. At least with the bigger gyms you can attempt to distance and go at non peak hours as well. Good suggestion though!

R8 it was on hold while they were closed then re-opened and it seemed like with vaccines it was just a matter of time. But as dumb cunt anti vaxxers and the delta variant dominated, I gave up and put it on hold. I am trying to be more pragmatic and less of a malignant optimist now.

OP. given what you have described I wouldn't go back. But, I understand and am sympathetic to your predicament. I'm in NYC where it is now mandatory to show proof of vaccination before anyone can enter a gym, restaurants, etc. I admit (regarding the gym) it does give some sense of security in knowing that everyone around you have been vaccinated even though you still should use caution. It has affected the gym population. There aren't nearly as many people working out (although it's still a good crowd) and it has caused rumors to arise about regular members that you no longer see.

But, may I humbly suggest you make use of the internet. There are TONS of workout programs whether it's YouTube or some other sites that offer various workouts for free. Buy yourself some dumb bells, bands, and a jump rope, and that should do good for you. You would be surprised how handy a park bench can be. Or, even a tree. The only issue is that you have to do it. That's where the motivation of a gym comes into play. I suggest that you look for a workout partner(s) who you can work with and you motivate each other. Also, check out some outdoor boot camps and if you can afford it a Personal Trainer.

I’m going to hold out until Spring before I go back to the gym. As we enter the winter months I’m more worried about flu than Covid. Gyms are a hotbed of germs.

Good advice R10. It’s a clusterfuck down here with our idiot governor. I already decline invites of a group I belong to because certain people are not vaccinated for different reasons, and precautions vary based on personal choice. I kind of feel like I’m rotting in solitary isolation, and connecting online via Zoom is annoying af. Sucks that deciding to go to the gym is a life and death decision.

I have to take the same decision, OP and I haven't made my mind up yet. I tried hard for one and half year to keep my muscles but I almost lost 30% of their size which isn't very bad after all, but I can't keep working out at home anymore. Wearing a mask and using sanitizers after every machine and dumble is the only option if I start to go back to the gym.

I also froze my gym membership. I'm not going back until I don't have to wear a mask and the showers are open. My gym is in SF, and it already requires proof of vaccination. There was a brief window in the spring when they dropped the mask rule and opened the wet area, but the Delta variant put an end to that. SF may be lifting its mask mandate soon, thank God, because I really need to get rid of this Covid nineteen. (Also, I've missed the eye candy.)

OP, you said you've been triple-vaxxed. You're totally fine, go back to the gym.

I should add that one of the reasons that I wouldn't go back is because the OP is in Texas. Were the OP to make the choice to return BUT also choose to wear a mask he could be putting his very life in danger. These anti-maskers/vaxxers have gone crazy. Who wants to experience stares, bullying, and/or possible death?

[quote] I'm not going back until I don't have to wear a mask and the showers are open.

Wait, showers and steam rooms are open yet? What’s the point of going to a gym then?

I'm in California. I belong to two different gyms. At my first gym, which is my preferred gym (nicer place, closer to my house), memberships were frozen through June 2021. Then we had an option of going back in July 2021 for full membership or going virtual for a reduced monthly fee. I opted for the virtual plan because there are a lot of kids who go to this particular gym, and kids are not vaccinated yet. Once kids are vaccinated, I will consider going back.

I also have another a second membership to another gym (different gym company, closer to my former employer) that has adults only. I do go to that gym periodically, although not nearly as frequently as I used to go. It may take a while for me to get used to being around people sharing machines, although many people wear masks there. This particular gym opened in August 2020 with full membership required, but because of the fall/winter virus surge, it shut down again and reopened in the spring. I have been a member there for a long time and pay hardly anything to maintain my membership, which is why I keep it.

OP here, don’t think I’ll be bullied for mask wearing, but last summer I attended nephews’ sports events outside and wore a mask as a precaution and got sneers from some maga looking parents. One had a holstered pistol on his hip. I guess he was afraid for his life at a little league game, but not from catching COVID with everyone packed together in the stands.

Thanks for all the feedback. I posted this while on a walk alone and it’s good to feel connected to people who understand my dilemma.

I've have been back at the gym since they opened back up and in the never-ending covid hot spot that is LA. I go to Equinox so everything is impeccably clean, but even with mask mandates, people have them around their noses etc. I thought I was getting good workouts in a home, but I lost weight going back to the gym and gained muscle. It's just not the same. Even with mask mandates, we can use the locker rooms, showers, steam/sauna with no masks. If it's optional, you can wear a mask and nobody will care. Conversely, you can't tut tut people who don't wear them. I would get a underarmour mask - they are the best for working out if you sweat. Most of the outbreaks have been in restaurants, schools, and in the minority communities. Gyms don't seem to be that bad. Only can decide if you are comfortable. You either are, are you aren't, especially in Texas. If you don't have a health condition, I would go back and dip your foot in during non peak hours.

Do yoga with Lovely John

Be sure to wear a comfortable outfit.

Your chances of dying from COVID are miniscule. You have a better chance of getting hit by a car on your way to the gym and dying from that.

I now work out at home and jog

Time to pause gym membership again

Here in my gym in NYC it was suddenly a lot less crowded today...and everybody was wearing masks again (after months when I seemed like the only one). So I actually felt safer than I have in a long time.

OP, we'd like to see you here this time next year. You know, better safe than sorry. Can you find something to mitigate the claustrophobia you feel about being at home? I'm not going to try to suggest anything, but something might help (besides the obvious alcohol and drugs).

I put my membership on hold 18 months ago and just reinstated it. Everyone is required to be fully vaxed, both employees and members. Staff must wear masks but I've noticed not all members do. But it's a big facility with large, two story tall workout areas, good air circulation and they updated the HVAC to include the latest in air cleaning equipment so I feel safe. Plus I found that if I go mid-day and only on weekdays, the place isn't even a quarter full. And then it's mostly older folks who I presume are the safest group to be around. Getting out of the house and working out again has been great, physically and mentally.

In my gym we have to wear masks and we get our own cleaning sprays. I don’t use the showers. Just go in for a quick cardio. I do weights at home.

[quote] Getting out of the house and working out again has been great, physically and mentally.

Pretty much those who are going to gym are all looking to do the right thing. They are vaccinated, clean down machines, etc. They do not want to go back to a period of when gyms were closed down. So, I believe the anti-whatevers have been weeded out. However, is this enough for gyms to survive? January is the BIG pay-dirt month for gyms! I just wonder how many are actually going to survive through all of this?

I don’t give a shit about what you do

I've been going back since June. It would have to get really bad in my area (central Massachusetts) for me to give it up again. I hated not being able to go. I'm triple vaccinated for what it's worth

[quote] January is the BIG pay-dirt month for gyms! I just wonder how many are actually going to survive through all of this?

It will be interesting to see. Equinox has never been so generous in providing free guest passes as they have been this month. They are really pushing for membership referrals. Especially with the surges happening, it gives someone a terrific excuse not to join a gym in the NYE. I like having smaller classes, sometimes with 2 or 3 people it's like having a free trainer.

Started going back to my gym when they reopened finally in August 2020. I sanitize my hands and machines constantly before and after, and move away from any standing or long-weight-machines-sitting fellow gym-goers if near me for more than a few minutes--ditto for walking some distance around such others who are just standing around in one place talking or just gathering. And I have this common-sense tactic of not deliberately putting my finger or tongue on gym surfaces or the floor and then into my mouth. Try it, you'll be fine as well as claim back your self-confidence, life and sense of living outside of the clutches of controlling liberal-based media propaganda.

Typhoid Mary ^

I have been going to the gym with a trainer 4 days a week, every week since August 2020. I do not wear a mask. I am vaccinated.

Gyms are gross anyway. Go for a run. Do some push ups, sit ups and other at home stuff.

Agree with R11. This is flu season and with the COVID surge probably not the best time to consider a return to a gym where patrons will be maskless. OP, try virtual strength training until the spring.

R37 hasn’t exercised, ever, in his entire life

R37 for men, nothing is as good am exercise as strength training. Cardio supplements it, but can not replace it. And besides the physical benefits, the gym also is important for mental health. If you are vaccinated and make sure to wipe down machines before using them, you will be fine. I've been going for the better part of a year now and have not contacted COVID

I went back when my gym re-opened in October and you needed to be double vaxxed. You were asked to keep sanitizing the machines and surfaces you touched and social distance as per before the gym closed earlier in the year. Now you had to wear a mask at reception . Naturally some people did not comply which is not a surprise given how some never used a towel when they were asked to before the Covid measures were introduced. Some people are just dumb.

I have weights and bands at home, but not enough to grow my musculature

[quote]It will be interesting to see. Equinox has never been so generous in providing free guest passes as they have been this month. They are really pushing for membership referrals.

MMPH... they haven't come down off of that outrageous monthly fee, though!

Is R34 a parody? I simply can't tell anymore.

I mean nobody is THAT stupid, are they?

What's stupid about r34? I also just stay away from people and wipe down machines before and after use.

[quote]What's stupid about [R34]? I also just stay away from people and wipe down machines before and after use.

Because unless you have a chronic thumb-sucking habit constantly wiping down equipment does fuck-all if you're unmasked?

Likewise maintaining distance from people. Spit particles hang out in the room for 3 hours after an infected person leaves.

Avoiding the practice of sticking your tongue on the gym floor goes without comment.

[quote]Spit particles hang out in the [bold]air[/bold] for 3 hours after an infected person leaves.

*correction*

[quote] Likewise maintaining distance from people

Do you not believe in the CDC guidelines around social distancing? Should they be thrown away then?

Another Texan here, OP, we are in an alternate universe relative to many other states-- if I lived in some of the places others are posting from, I might choose differently.

My husband is 51, he asked my opinion on getting back to the gym. I say wait until about Jan 15. If the sky isn't falling by then, then we should go back. I was thinking the cycling classes look good, but I doubt they mask. It's too bad they don't have classes for makers and classes for non-maskers.

[quote]Do you not believe in the CDC guidelines around social distancing? Should they be thrown away then?

Stop fucking trolling and go read the news.

COVID is hanging in the air in interior spaces for 3 hours after an infected person leaves the room. Social distancing is about as useful as telling people not to lick the floor.

The trainers at my gym dont use social distancing though wears masks. they say they cant train someone from 6 feet away which seems silly to me because I can hear them talking 50 feet away. I go early before the trainers start.

I went to the gym this afternoon. There were very people there. If you have the option, try going during the week and not on weekends, and mid-day rather than during the peak hours.