Research Ess@y

Ybarra 1

Brittany Ybarra

Prof. Riehl

English 1121 Section 7

04 May 2021

Take Back Your Health

Have no fear fellow gym-enthusiasts, it is safe to head back to the gym during this global

pandemic. As of March of 2020, I too cancelled my gym membership as a result of the

unknowns of COVID-19. “After nearly 50 million check-ins [at gyms] over that three-month

period, the study found that a nominal 0.0023 percent tested positive for COVID-19”

(“National”). In this pandemic, it seems the regular trip to Walmart is now normalized while the

stereotypes of gyms are still deemed unsafe. After over a year living with the COVID-19 virus,

there is now more information as to what is acceptable and practicing precautions. Taking care of

ourselves mentally and physically is important now more than ever. Gyms and fitness centers are

just as safe as other businesses in regarding distancing, sanitization, and ventilation during

COVID-19. While considering the COVID-19 transmission factors such as perspiration and

respiration, there is more positive outcomes partaking in gym activities than negative outcomes

when considering mental and physical health during this pandemic.

On March 25, 2020, Minnesota’s businesses experience a nationwide stay-at-home order

in result of the coronavirus. This temporarily closes non-essential businesses, which includes

gyms and fitness facilities. In the months following, gyms and recreational centers began their

slow reopening, each with local guidelines and rules (Melo). For gyms, slow reopening involved

maximum capacities, check ins, and mask-wearing. Early in the pandemic, much was being

discovered about how safe each public area was, and fitness facilities could potentially hold high

Ybarra 2

risk. The primary transmission of COVID-19 is in the manner of respiratory droplets dispersed

from the mouth when speaking or breathing, thus the use of masks. On July 24, 2020, Minnesota

Governor Tim Waltz declares a mask-mandate order. In this order, it is specified when exerting

strenuous activity at indoor facilities, masks are not required if physical distancing is in practice

(“Minnesota’s”). It is no wonder gyms are given the stereotype as unsafe with patrons heavy

breathing and sweating. Heading into December 18, 2020 an updated executive order is

announced. Waltz declared masks are required in all indoor environments, including fitness

facilities when exercising (“Face”). There is much controversy on whether fitness facilities are

safe or not. During this ongoing debate, the public suffers in the first year of COVID-19 by not

taking care of physical and mental health. Weight gain and alcoholic consumption are

normalized methods of coping. Come March 31, 2021, Minnesota gyms, fitness facilities, and

studios can now operate at a 50% capacity, exceeding the previous 25% (“Official”). Local

institutions welcome more people invested in their health. One year after COVID-19 impacted

populations around the globe, people are realizing how important it is to maintain physical and

mental health. While alcoholic consumption among other things was at first an easy relief of

stress, it is not realistic to be practicing long term. Many businesses are suffering from the

COVID-19 impact, including gyms. While getting back to a sense of normalcy when going out,

consider how gyms had safe practices long before COVID-19 even started.

Perspiration at the gym is not a realistic risk for COVID-19 transmission and can be

prevented. Sweat droplets from the body cannot transmit COVID-19 (“How COVID-19”).

Although the idea of sweating at the gym can be uncomfortable during these times, it is by no

means openly transmitting COVID-19. Only when the droplets are mixed with respiratory

droplets and into direct contact with a mucous membrane, can transmission be possible (“Can

Ybarra 3

Sweat”). Transmission would mean wiping a hand over the mouth or nose and then directly

touching another person’s face. A group of 4.8% of the population have a medical condition

called Hyperhidrosis. This is extreme uncontrollable sweating (“Can Sweat”). Imagine the

worries this population had when COVID-19 began, and research had just begun about the

transmission factors. After extensive examination, to their relief, studies have shown sweat can

actually help prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Sweat has some inherent antimicrobial activity.

In fact, gaseous nitric oxide is being currently studied as a potential treatment for some of the

severe complications related to COVID-19" (“Can Sweat”). Instead of the thought of sweat

instilling fear into the mind, sweat can prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Given this

knowledge, it is time to kick the stereotype to not return to the gyms because of sweat. Since

sweat can provide just a little bit of the body’s natural disinfectant, fitness centers should not be

feared as they have been. It is true that when at the gym, face touching is happening more

frequently by wiping sweat away. A simple solution is to bring a towel to use instead (Chamary).

If fitness members are following the guidelines, sweating itself does not provide a higher chance

of catching and transmitting COVID-19.

Fitness facilities provide more than adequate safety measures involving respiration that

prove them no greater risk than other businesses. COVID-19 is transmitted via respiratory

droplets deposited into mucous membranes during activities such as talking or breathing (“How

COVID-19”). During the spring of 2020, the mask-mandate affected states and cities differently.

Even though it was not required, a lot of gyms required masks to be worn always, even during

physical activity. The CDC stated, “To reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission in exercise facilities,

employees and patrons should wear a mask, even during high-intensity activities when more than

six feet apart” (Lin II). If members are exercising safely and wearing masks while more than six

Ybarra 4

feet apart, breathing harder while exercising does not prove to be a risk factor for COVID-19. If

the CDC thought going to the gym was not safe, it would not be advocated for all over their

website. While breaking down public spaces and events, the CDC touches base on why it is a

bad idea to go to bars but advocates for “gym, fitness centers and studios” (“Personal”). After

public debate if it was safe to wear a mask while exercising, the matter was quickly settled. “A

2020 study concluded that wearing cloth or surgical face masks has no effect on exercise

performance for healthy people” (Visconti). Individuals are worried about oxygen levels and

carbon dioxide while exercising. Just like anything else, it takes some time to get used to, but it

is by no means unsafe. By keeping masks on, the population is protecting themselves and others

while getting back to working out. There are also plenty of safe and creative exercising masks to

shop for online to help one work out safely. On the contrary, last summer presented two

incidents where mass COVID-19 outbreaks were associated with fitness facilities. In both these

instances mask-wearing was sporadic, and members were allowed to remove their masks. Both

outbreaks were during strenuous sessions where members were symptomatic, or COVID-19

symptoms began the same day (Lin II). This proves that fitness facilities are the same as any

other business; if the COVID-19 guidelines are not being followed, there will be consequences.

Furthermore, fitness center employees can move freely and safely around open facilities. This

helps staff members to clearly see and correct non-mask wearers, resulting in efficiency of

enforcing the rules to stationary patrons. Compared to chasing down consumers walking around

with shopping carts down crowded aisles in a grocery store, gyms clearly have the upper hand on

mask implementation.

Proper ventilation is important for businesses being open safely during the COVID-19

pandemic, and gyms have equal to less risk as other businesses. While not a widely known topic,

Ybarra 5

the CDC points out a subtle, but crucial factor in keeping our local business buildings open:

ventilation. “SARS-CoV-2 viral particles spread between people more readily indoors than

outdoors. Indoors, the concentration of viral particles is often higher than outdoors, where even a

light wind can rapidly reduce concentrations.” The CDC continues to point out easy tools to

improve ventilation for structures. This includes simple solutions such as opening windows and

utilizing fans (“Ventilation”). Compared to a typical retail building, gyms generally have many

more usable windows that have utilized before COVID-19 started. Fans are much more common

seen in a gym than any other local business. Gym structures have been literally built to keep their

members cool and circulate fresh air to maximize comfortability. Another factor in consideration

is the usage of outdoors. Many local fitness facilities are offering outdoor classes for creative and

safe solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic (Anderson). Gyms, fitness centers, and studio

classes have the amazing advantage of utilizing the outdoors, while not many other businesses

can do the same. There is no better ventilation than being outside. Minnesota guidance states that

classes may not be held with more than 25 participants indoors and no more than 50 members

outdoors (“Official”). Even with the natural ventilation of outdoors, restrictions are still in place

to keep members safe.

Gyms can control social distancing remarkably well compared to other businesses.

Staying six feet apart is engrained in everyday life now. As of March 2021, Minnesota had a

recent update in fitness center capacities, which is now 50% capacity is allowed, as compared to

25% capacity previously. If the structure cannot hold the 50% capacity while social distancing

six feet apart, it must hold only the amount of members the building can accommodate staying

six feet apart, even if that number is significantly less (“Official”). Gyms and fitness studios have

the benefit as being generally larger institutes. While even at smaller local gyms, if businesses

Ybarra 6

cannot space the equipment out, centers are only using half of the equipment, shutting down

every other machine to maintain social distancing. This kind of social distancing can be

controlled remarkably well, being as equipment are already evenly spaced out. While touring a

facility, one center was “showing measures such as having every other piece of exercise

equipment turned off and plexiglass shields between each row of equipment” (Anderson).

Fitness centers are unique because members are stationary in areas for long period of time. This

has a large benefit. Members of the gym are socially distancing for a large proportion of their

visit by staying in consistent areas, resulting in less physical interaction. "A gym where you can

adequately social distance and you can limit the number of people there and force mask-wearing,

that's one of the safer activities” (Stone). While members are stationary, staff can safely

maneuver the facility at a safe distance while able to protect themselves and members. This

results in better enforcement of distancing and keeping employees safe in their workplace.

Sanitization measures is much more frequent at gyms than at other businesses. The CDC

recommends to “wipe down frequently touched surfaces”, and to continue disinfecting and hand-

washing practices (“Personal”). Gyms and fitness centers already had sanitary stations set up

before the COVID-19 pandemic started. It is always encouraged to wipe down machines and

weights after use. Not only were stations already set up, but fellow gym patrons are already in

the habit of good sanitization practices. It is unsure whether the same can be said about Costco

members. Planet Fitness, a popular gym facility in the United States, boasts of their new

“disinfectant backpack sprayers” in which staff members carry on their back and hold out hose-

like sprayers, similar to leaf blowers (“Keeping”). Since most gyms have sanitization stations

already installed, centers across the nation are upping their sanitary game in different ways.

Anytime fitness shares on their website that all facilities will “be cleaned thoroughly a minimum

Ybarra 7

of every 2 hours” (“In Response”). Many gyms I have frequented before the COVID-19

pandemic started already had a routine sanitization schedule. Even if it was just once at the end

of the day, that was more sanitization happening compared to any other public areas. On top of

extra sanitization levels, there is another huge talking point about fitness memberships and their

uniqueness of public coronavirus safety. “Gyms have a big advantage over other retail and

entertainment venues, because the membership model means those who may have been exposed

in an outbreak can be easily contacted” (Stone). Almost all gyms require memberships; each

member pays a monthly fee and has their own profile. This means that all facilities know exactly

who checked into a club and when it happened. This traces the virus and if it spreads and allows

gym faculty to connect with health members to inform them of exposure levels. This quality is

unique regarding gyms and is another reason why fitness centers are not something to be feared

during this pandemic.

Physical and mental health has never been more important than it is right now. On the

CDC website, before stating the risks to watch out for before attending the gym, there is first a

paragraph about how important physical activity is during this time of crisis (“Personal”).

Exercise has countless benefits on the body. Not only does it make us feel great, but it also

makes provides the body with more energy and boosts confidence. During this pandemic, it is

said the population has partaken in eating and consuming alcohol more frequently. “[during

COVID-19] 42% of adults put on weight an average of 29 pounds” (Muha)! Going to the gym

can be a healthy alternative of that money and energy. Instead of eating and drinking empty

calories, one can invest in their body and build strength and muscle. “[during COVID-19] 67%

of Americans developed sleep problems. 35% sleep less than desired, and 31% sleep more”

(Muha). Physical activity promotes healthy sleeping, which is much needed during this time.

Ybarra 8

Exercising will also help boost the immune system, an important part of prevention when

considering contracting the virus. “The data shows that, with proper sanitization protocols in

place, people can safely return to their workout routines. Working out has never been more

important to help boost immunity and improve mental health. It's time to acknowledge that gyms

are safe” (“National”). The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a toll on our mental health. It is

common now to hear radio, T.V. and social media advertisements encouraging everyone to

prioritize mental health during this time of crisis. It is a known fact that exercise can improve

mental health. "It's almost laughable. I mean, it's almost the exact opposite [of bars]. ... People

here are investing in their health. They're coming in, they're focusing on what they're trying to do

as far as their workout. They're not socializing, they're not sitting at a table and laughing and

drinking” (Stone). Whether realizing it or not, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress on the

body and mind. The “new normal” stress level acceptance tolerance has gone up. It is widely

known the most natural and greatest way to reduce anxiety and depression is exercise.

We need to break down the stereotype of gyms being unsafe. By doing this, we can take

part in physical activity to help us cope with this pandemic together in a healthy fashion. When it

comes to heading back to the gym, use best judgement and safety precautions. Just like everyone

else, local and large gym owners are frequently trying to stay up to date with new rules,

regulations, and restrictions. These rules must be followed in order to go about our daily life with

this new normal. "The mistake would be to assume that there is no risk. It's just that a lot of the

prevention strategies have been working, and when we start to loosen those, though, is where

you're more likely to see clusters occur.” (Stone). Along with each of us being vigilant, gyms are

creating incredible improvisations, such arrows guiding which way to go and high-end

ventilation systems. Some gyms even have incredible plastic-wrapped futuristic workout pods to

Ybarra 9

replace mask-wearing (VanHoose). Just like any other business, not all facilities will be

completely compliant with local guidelines. This kind of rule-breaking has lives on the line.

Some companies boast of all the ways they are doing their part in preventing COVID-19 at their

facilities (“Keeping”). On other gym websites, it is hard to find acknowledgment of the COVID-

19 pandemic at all, such as at myxperiencefitness.com (Xperience). When returning to your

routine, if your regular gym does not follow the guidelines to keep you safe or if it makes you

uncomfortable, simply find a new gym that does. There will always be companies and business

owners that do not control the facility to what is acceptable to you. Find one that does and stick

with it.

Start from home when using your own precautions when heading back to the gym.

Revamp the gym bag with new COVID-19 essentials: breathable and dry masks, a towel to keep

the face-touching minimal, and a reusable water bottle to stay away from drinking fountains

(Kumar). Rethink your workout in terms of what will be most sanitary and safe. Keeping a mask

on and keeping your distance is another good start. Use an online check-in if available. Some

gyms have charts that show which hours are the busiest, so try to find a less crowded time to

head out to the gym (Planet). Remember to wash your hands, sanitize and disinfect as much as

you can, and try not touch your face. It is time to take back our health and get back to our gyms.

We need to do our research on what is safe and kick the stereotype that gyms are the worst place

to be during this pandemic. Over a year has passed since COVID-19 began and we cannot wait

any longer for our health to get back to normal, we need to do something about it now. “67% of

Americans report they've experienced a roller coaster of emotions during the pandemic. 47% say

they've struggled to manage stress (Muha). We cannot ignore this stress any longer, and it is time

to take charge of it. We are headed back to our normal routines, and a workout should be a part

Ybarra 10

of that. If you were not a fellow gym member before, now may be a good time to start. It has

never been as dire to start taking care of yourself as it is right now.

Ybarra 11

Works Cited

Anderson, David. “Harford County Fitness Centers See New Members in the New Year,

Returning Members Who Want the Community Feeling of Working out in

Person.” Aegis, The (Bel Air, MD), 21 Jan. 2021. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com.

“Can Sweat Spread COVID-19?” Globe Newswire, July 2020. sweathelp.org/sweat-help-

home/press-releases/470-can-sweat-spread-covid-19.html.

Chamary, JV. “Sweating Can Help Spread Covid-19, But Not By ‘Infectious Sweat.” Forbes,

Sep. 2020. www.forbes.com/sites/jvchamary/2020/09/29/coronavirus-infectious-

sweat/?sh=7fd3796a2a85.

national“How COVID-19 Spreads.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oct. 2020.

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html

“In Response to Recent Public Health Concerns.” Anytime Fitness, 17 Nov. 2020.

www.anytimefitness.com/in-response-to-recent-public-health-concerns/

“Keeping Our Clubs Safe & Squeaky Clean.” Planet Fitness, Sep. 2020.

www.planetfitness.com/club-cleanliness.

Kumar, Naveen. “Your Guide to Returning to The Gym Safely- And in Style.” CNN

Underscored, Sep. 23, 2020. www.cnn.com/2020/09/23/cnn-underscored/gym-covid-

safety-tips/index.html.

Lin II, Rong-Gong. “Yelling Instructors, Ventilation and Masks: How to Return to the Gym

Safely, Avoid COVID-19.” Los Angeles Times (CA), Mar. 9, 2021. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com.

Ybarra 12

Melo, Frederick. “A COVID-19 timeline for Minnesota.” Twin Cities Pioneer Press, July 11,

2020. www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/a-covid-19-timeline-for-minnesota/ar-

BB16CZdF.

“Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan.” Minnesota COVID-19 Response, March 13, 2021.

mn.gov/covid19/stay-safe/stay-safe-plan/index.jsp.

Muha, Tom. “Tom Muha: You Survived COVID, Now It’s Time to Tackle Stress.” Capital, The

(Annapolis, MD), 28 Mar. 2021. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com.

"National Study Confirms It's Safe to Work Out at the Gym: Current Data shows no Evidence of

COVID-19 Spread in Gyms: Of More than 49.4 Million Health Club Visits, Only 0.0023

Percent Tested Positive for COVID-19 - More than 500 Times Less than the Current

Estimated U.S. National Average." PR Newswire, Sep 02, 2020. ProQuest, search-

proquest-com.accarcproxy.mnpals.net/.

“Official Guidance: Gyms, Studios and Fitness Centers.” Stay Safe Minnesota, March 31, 2021.

staysafe.mn.gov/industry-guidance/gyms-studios-fitness-centers.jsp.

“Personal and Social Activities.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Feb. 2021.

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/personal-social-

activities.html#gyms.

Planet Fitness. Planet Fitness Franchising, LLC, 2021. www.planetfitness.com.

Stone, Will. "Making Gyms Safer: Why the Virus is Less Likely to Spread there than in a

Bar." TCA News Service, Sep 16, 2020. ProQuest, search-proquest-

com.accarcproxy.mnpals.net/.

Ybarra 13

VanHoose, Benjamin. “California Gym Unveils Individual Workout ‘Pods’ for People to Exercise

Safely Without Masks.” People, June 17, 2020. people.com/health/gyms-tries-workout-

pods-to-allow-clients-to-exercise-without-masks-amid-pandemic/.

“Ventilation in Buildings.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 2021.

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/ventilation.html.

Visconti, Zachary. "How to use a Cloth Face Mask while Exercising." ProQuest, Apr 03, 2021.

search-proquest-com.accarcproxy.mnpals.net/.

Xperience Fitness. Xperience Fitness. 2021. myxperiencefitness.com/.