Have You Been Or Would You Go Back To The Gym?

[socalfreak]

There is a risk in many things we do every day. It's a matter of one's own perceived situation & how they want to deal/not deal with it.
I've never thought I was "invincible".
But, with a 99.3% survival rate, it's a minor risk that I'm willing to take.
If people in my age range were getting sick and suffering/dying, I would have to consider that.
But, they're not.
Almost always exceptions to the rule.
So, some people outside the norm got it.
Could be a dozen reasons why.
The reality is that the risk for me is low.
I'm not going to be a jerk to those who got sick and feel compelled to caution others.
If you are worried, don't go.
And don't expect the majority to change their lives for a very small minority.
Masks? According to a CDC report, ones who wore them "always" had the highest infection rate (70%).
Again.. It's up to the individual to assess their own risk vs reward.

 

[deleted471226]

Went back for the first time this week since March. Unless the gym has moved outdoors, all gyms in my city are closed. The gym I went to happen to re-open early because if it's location. My temperature was taken at the door and tons of signage is placed throughout the gym. The gym was practically empty. A total of 8 people on the floor including myself (6pm on a Tuesday). There was no music playing either which made it seem even emptier. Mask worn on at all times except to drink water.

I felt safe but I can certainly see how the gym can be a hotbed for catching Covid. I will stop going if it gets too crowded as the weeks go by.

 

[223790]

Cases are still quite low in the city where I workout (4 new cases today, 44 active cases and only 2 in the hospital). I think more people are feeling comfortable using the facilities even though we are at a record of about 1,500 cases per day in the province. I was at my gym last night, and for the first time since they reopened, it was quite busy there. I had a hard time finding a locker in the locker room, not only because every 2 lockers are closed for every 1 that is open, but because there were about 6-8 guys in there when I arrived. To my surprise, there was some equipment I had to wait to use on the gym floor because it was quite busy. When I went to take a shower, there were about 5 other guys in the wet area (2 in the open shower with me). It's always the same "hot spots" that have the most infections. I'm glad that the provincial government isn't using a sledge hammer to kill a fly by shutting down the whole province again. If numbers were high everywhere, I would agree with shutting everything down, but it's always the same hot spots that make up a majority of new infections. My gym is now insisting on government ID for anyone that wants to purchase a day pass or open a new membership to prove they are local. There is worry that people from high infection areas will try to use the facilities in low infection areas. They are also still recording and screening everyone that uses the gym, doing temp checks and constantly cleaning, so I still feel very safe using my Y.

 

[Spike Baltar]

Closed case fatality rates are at 4% in the US-hardly the "less than one percent" continually claimed by people downplaying the severity of the disease. Current numbers:
6,829,882 (96%) Recovered / Discharged
251,000 (4%) Deaths
This fails to take into account the serious health issues faced by those that are hospitalized but "recover;" and those that "recover" from even "mild" infections that didn't even require hospitalizations such as my friend that struggles to breath from any activity a full 7 months after having "recovered" from the disease.
United States Coronavirus: 11,187,394 Cases and 251,001 Deaths - Worldometer

 

[Plasticroad1]

I love the gym! Can't miss it. There's a lot less people there which is great for those of us that ARE there!

 

[Spike Baltar]

I love the gym! Can't miss it. There's a lot less people there which is great for those of us that ARE there!

Agreed. Correctly distanced and masked, the risk may only be slightly higher than shopping. Many gyms, however, have ridiculous mask rules that say you can take it off when you're actively working out; or many gyms have better policies but poor or no enforcement of the requirement. This is why gyms are listed among the locations driving the current surge we are only beginning. We're on track for a quarter million positives a day within a couple weeks; 2-3 weeks after Thanksgiving, what will it be? 500,000/day?

 

[sd425]

Absolutely. I hate news headlines that portray gyms are inherently risky. Whether or not gyms are a high risk area depends entirely on the conduct of the people inside of them. The gym that I go to thankfully has high adherence to public health guidelines.

Agreed. Correctly distanced and masked, the risk may only be slightly higher than shopping. Many gyms, however, have ridiculous mask rules that say you can take it off when you're actively working out; or many gyms have better policies but poor or no enforcement of the requirement. This is why gyms are listed among the locations driving the current surge we are only beginning. We're on track for a quarter million positives a day within a couple weeks; 2-3 weeks after Thanksgiving, what will it be? 500,000/day?

 

[sd425]

And to correct some misinformation earlier in this thread, there is no CDC report that found that people who wear masks regularly have higher rates of infection. This is the report that the statistic was taken out of context from.

Some fact checking reveals that:

The study's headline finding was that the 154 study participants who had tested positive were much more likely to have reported dining at a restaurant in the two weeks before the onset of their illness than were the 160 people who had tested negative.
The study also found that, of the 154 participants who tested positive, a total of 85% said they had worn a mask either "always" (70.6%) or "often" (14.4%) over the 14 days prior to the onset of their illness. Of the 160 people who had tested negative, conversely, a total of 88.7% said they had worn a mask either "always" (74.2%) or "often" (14.5%).
So reported mask-wearing was not statistically different among people who tested negative than among people who tested positive.
But that's not even the point.
Trump was suggesting that the CDC found that 85% of all people who wear masks get the coronavirus. But the CDC was just looking at the behavior of these 314 symptomatic people who sought out testing at 11 particular sites in July.
Here's how one of the co-authors, Christopher Lindsell, co-director of the Center for Health Data Science at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, described the study's data on masks.
"The data suggest that among a group of patients who are already showing symptoms that prompted them to get testing for the virus, there was no statistical evidence of a difference in mask wearing behavior between those who tested positive and those who tested negative," Lindsell said in an email. "This is very different from the question of whether wearing masks prevents you becoming infected with the virus, and it is also different to the question of how many or what percentage of people who wear masks contract the virus. The study was not designed to answer these questions."​

 

[Spike Baltar]

and those statistics are from people self-reporting. There's no evidence they actually consistently or correctly wore them every time they were in the presence of others. It also may indicate they are contracting the virus at home in the presence of family they are not wearing masks around.

 

[Gj816]

You know I'm getting tired of living in a bubble. I have only been to the gym twice since Feb

My workout buddy has been going regularly since they reopened. He's called wanting me to come back to the gym and workout with him. I really want to. However, having a compromised immune system, I'm still trying to decide if the risk is that great considering I was going 3:45 - 4 am and I'm usually out of the gym by 5:30. Decisions decisions.

I know I've gained some weight and lost muscle mass since not actually working out regularly anymore. I'm thoroughly disgusted with my body and this year. And now the Holiday season is upon us. Ugh.

 

[gymrat48]

You know I'm getting tired of living in a bubble. I have only been to the gym twice since Feb

My workout buddy has been going regularly since they reopened. He's called wanting me to come back to the gym and workout with him. I really want to. However, having a compromised immune system, I'm still trying to decide if the risk is that great considering I was going 3:45 - 4 am and I'm usually out of the gym by 5:30. Decisions decisions.

I know I've gained some weight and lost muscle mass since not actually working out regularly anymore. I'm thoroughly disgusted with my body and this year. And now the Holiday season is upon us. Ugh.

if you are going at 4-530am, I would imagine not many people are there. Obviously each person can make their own risk assessment. Its not like its floating in the air there waiting to infect people. If your gym is clean and the clientale follows procedures that will help you make your decision. All gyms pretty much require masks at this point so that helps, even if as I believe that masks are not really preventing anything at this point. Virus is doing what it wants.

 

[Godslittlejoke]

The best thing you can do is educate yourself in regards to the virus and not use the news to do it.
While Covid can exacerbate pre-existing or underlying conditions, it in itself is less deadly than the flu which doesn't need help to kill.
Masks do not prevent the spread of Covid as it is far smaller than what the masks are capable of stopping.
Gyms are nothing but incubators for germs. I got sick once from being at the gym and nearly died. The doctors couldn't identify the virus I had at all.
So instead of relying on the lack-luster staff and their non-apparent abilities to clean, I use my own disinfectant wipes before and after I use a machine or a bar. I even wipe the weights. Sweat can carry a ton of germs and God only knows what else. Don't use a towel to dry off someone else's sweat from a bench or machine. Man up and tell them to clean that shit. You can get fungal infections and if you have open sores you can get even worse things.
Don't rely on social distancing. A sneeze can blast germs over 20 feet at over 120mph; 6 feet isn't a safe zone. Germs and viruses don't carry tape measures.
Best things you can do to reduce your exposure are:
1. Wash your hands with anti-microbial soap.
2. As soon as you get home from the gym put your clothes in the wash and wash them.
3. Get a shower at home as soon as you are home with anti-microbial soap.
4. Wash your drink containers. A teaspoon of bleach in your dishwater will help kill the germs that your bottle collects. Make sure to wash the seal well.
5. Wash your gym bag, gloves, wraps and towels as soon as you get home or at the very least spray some Lysol on them; same for your shoes.
6. If you change clothes at the gym you need to wash your street clothes when you get home as well.
Just doing these few things can reduce your exposure to germs and viruses in general. Treat your home as a sanctuary and don't wear your street or gym clothes in it all day like some people do.
Don't place your drink bottles just anywhere either. I cringe when I see a bottle on the floor then someone picks it up without wiping it off and takes a big old swig. Do you know how filthy those floors are? People walk in the bathrooms and then on the very floors you sat your bottle on.
In summation, just practice common sense and step up your hygiene game. You'll be fine. And btw, if you're sick, stay at home.

 

[Spike Baltar]

While Covid can exacerbate pre-existing or underlying conditions, it in itself is less deadly than the flu which doesn't need help to kill.
Masks do not prevent the spread of Covid as it is far smaller than what the masks are capable of stopping.

You need to stop spreading inaccurate information. This virus is killing people and no human has a pre-existing immunity to it. The closed case fatality rate is 4% compared to 0.1% for last years flu season and 1.3% for the 2017/18 flu season. Covid-19 causes cardiovascular issues not yet fully understood.
The use of face masks helps prevent the spread of respiratory infection. Much of the rest of what you describe is largely hygiene theater. While it makes sense to wash your hands, etc., as we know know fomite transmission is not what drives infection. You get SARS-COV-2 by breathing infected particles exhaled by other people.

 

[Gj816]

Thanks for all the replies. My Dr already told me that mask won't keep you from getting covid.

I did manage to come into the gym this morning. I gave got my mask on even though there are some people who don't. I'll see how it goes. Half the battle was won when I came in third morning.

I always practice good hygiene. My house is my sanctuary. I strip off as soon as I walk in the door. Always have.

 

[socalfreak]

and those statistics are from people self-reporting. There's no evidence they actually consistently or correctly wore them every time they were in the presence of others. It also may indicate they are contracting the virus at home in the presence of family they are not wearing masks around.

And NOBODY... And I do mean NOBODY does what they're supposed to.
Sanitize your hands before and after EVERY time you touch your mask.
Also, wearing a mask has shown very clearly that it encourages people to touch their faces more. People can't keep their hands off them.

 

[fuckyeah]

I have been going to the gym regularly over the past couple of months - have not had any symptoms of Covid (knock on wood). I wear a mask/face shield the entire time I'm there, minus when I'm showering (wear mask to shower and back). Buy yourself some N95 masks, use a face shield if you have one. Here's a website where you can buy....do a google to find others. N95 Mask for Sale: NIOSH Approved Safety N95 Mask Respirator | Accumed

DO NOT TAKE YOUR MASK OFF WHILE WORKING OUT - ESPECIALLY when using weight machines and free weights. Wipe down the equipment after you use it with a disinfectant.

As for cardio - your gym should have guidelines around cardio equipment, but if they don't, leave your mask on while on the treadmill, elliptical, or other cardio machines. Adjust the intensity so you can breathe with the mask on and not hyperventilate. You may have to back off a bit which is fine for now.

 

[socalfreak]

Closed case fatality rates are at 4% in the US-hardly the "less than one percent" continually claimed by people downplaying the severity of the disease. Current numbers:
6,829,882 (96%) Recovered / Discharged
251,000 (4%) Deaths
This fails to take into account the serious health issues faced by those that are hospitalized but "recover;" and those that "recover" from even "mild" infections that didn't even require hospitalizations such as my friend that struggles to breath from any activity a full 7 months after having "recovered" from the disease.
United States Coronavirus: 11,187,394 Cases and 251,001 Deaths - Worldometer

That number is completely correct, for people in my age range, with my health history.

 

[Spike Baltar]

That number is completely correct, for people in my age range, with my health history.

Typical Orange response. "Reality doesn't apply to me"

 

[Godslittlejoke]

You need to stop spreading inaccurate information. This virus is killing people and no human has a pre-existing immunity to it. The closed case fatality rate is 4% compared to 0.1% for last years flu season and 1.3% for the 2017/18 flu season. Covid-19 causes cardiovascular issues not yet fully understood.
The use of face masks helps prevent the spread of respiratory infection. Much of the rest of what you describe is largely hygiene theater. While it makes sense to wash your hands, etc., as we know know fomite transmission is not what drives infection. You get SARS-COV-2 by breathing infected particles exhaled by other people.

Negative Batman. The use of face masks can incubate dormant viral strains already in a person's body. You exhale into your mask, the warm, moist air provides a perfect growing and breeding ground for said strains including Covid. And as far as spreading inaccurate information; I would suggest not using CDC statistics as they are skewed by inaccurate reporting from DHHR and medical facilities. You mention percentages yet you fail to mention what percentage of a percentage they are.
I served as a nuclear/biological/chemical defense NCO for a long time. I have been trained to respond to things that would make Covid look like a paper cut. One of the first things you are taught is not to rely on reports from civilian sources. They are often inaccurate.
Did you know that hospitals in the US are paid 3 times as much for Covid claims than for regular claims? How accurate do you think their reports are? DHHR facilities get their information from the hospital emergency rooms. How accurate do you think their reports are?
In my previous statement I stated to the effect that Covid requires an underlying or pre-existing condition to be deadly. On its own it is not a deadly virus. It can debilitate a person obviously by weakening the immune system as any virus does. The severity of it is again based off of pre-existing or underlying conditions as well as age. New studies also show blood type can be a deciding factor as to whether or not a person is more susceptible to contracting the virus.
On the subject of masks, the preferred n-95 mask is capable of stopping particles down to 0.3 microns while Covid 19 is 0.125 microns. Do the math yourself.
On the subject of the flu, for the period of October 5, 2019 to April 4, 2020 the great and wonderful CDC reported 39 million to 56 million cases of the flu with 18 million to 26 million medical visits, 410,000 to 740,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 to 62,000 flu deaths. That is in the US alone in a period of 7 months. These numbers are called cumulative season burden estimates by the CDC and you can see the gap of inaccuracy they allow for. The same principle is used by the CDC in their reporting of Covid 19 cases.
So when you say I'm spreading inaccurate information, you need to first check your sources. The CDC and the media are the ones spreading inaccuracies. They profit from it; I do not profit from it and do not post about such serious matters without being well sourced and educated on them.

 

[Godslittlejoke]

You need to stop spreading inaccurate information. This virus is killing people and no human has a pre-existing immunity to it. The closed case fatality rate is 4% compared to 0.1% for last years flu season and 1.3% for the 2017/18 flu season. Covid-19 causes cardiovascular issues not yet fully understood.
The use of face masks helps prevent the spread of respiratory infection. Much of the rest of what you describe is largely hygiene theater. While it makes sense to wash your hands, etc., as we know know fomite transmission is not what drives infection. You get SARS-COV-2 by breathing infected particles exhaled by other people.

You also stated that no human has a pre-existing immunity to Covid implying I made a statement to that effect. I said Covid needs an underlying or pre-existing condition to be deadly. I never made claim nor implied that anyone is immune to Covid. Also, you do not contract the virus by breathing alone. It can be contracted through the eyes and even the ears (provided the right conditions in the ears). A virus that is aggressive enough can also enter the body through open sores on the skin. Truthfully, there is no perfect way to protect from a biologic. Vaccines are our best defense right now. Masks are only a prophylaxis much as are condoms. They are not a guarantee at all.