Gyms in Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, were quickly turned into makeshift hospitals as Chinese authorities tried to deal with the virus. In other parts of China, fitness studios and weight rooms are empty by choice or compulsion, as athletes fear the spread of the disease.
Like schools and places of worship, fitness facilities have been temporarily closed around the world in response to the spread of the coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19. Less in Spain. It's all an attempt to stop the spread, which means a disease with an unknown source of infection.
In cities that have been hit hard, it seems to me a prudent decision, just like canceling large events. It makes sense to close public places, at least for a short period of time, where there are many people congregating and sharing space to stop the transmission of the virus.
The coronavirus can be transmitted through small droplets of fluids from an infected person (usually by coughing or sneezing) that are inhaled by someone a few feet away. It is also believed that the virus could linger on surfaces for several hours.
If you touch a surface that has a virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you essentially inoculate yourself with the virus. That's where he comes in hand washing. That will eliminate that source of transmission and contagion.
How are gyms responding to the spread of coronavirus?
Countries around the world are being as proactive as possible. It's "hard to guess" exactly how a clothing store will react if the virus becomes widespread, although closures could happen, at least on a regional basis.
As for gyms, sports centers or dance studios, it is very likely that they will close temporarily. Although it is normal that they are already working on taking preventive measures such as cleaning sports equipment and encouraging employees and members to wash their hands.
In view of the current health problems, these efforts are intensified in each of the sports centers. Should it get worse, the direction of public health officials will be taken and necessary steps will be taken to protect us.
What can you do to avoid getting infected when you go to train?
There's good news: the steps taken by those of us who go to the gym and the sanitation practices in most centers appear to be effective in stopping the transmission of the coronavirus.
Cleaning sports equipment or other high-touch areas, such as doors and doorknobs, would be beneficial, as well as hygienic. Especially since this is flu season, all of us training should wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water or hygiene gel if soap and water are not available. Also, avoid touching your face with unclean hands. And you start to feel a little sick, it is better to stay at home to rest and avoid infecting others. Whether it's coronavirus, a cold or the flu.
It is very difficult to ensure that the surfaces are free of viruses, nor that the gym can control each client. But they need to try to tackle it relentlessly. It is true that sweat alone does not lead to the transmission of dangerous viruses and bacterial infections, but it can help keep pathogens out. But we are not going to be slutty either.
Some of them may live up 96 hours on surfaces and that's why you should want to wipe off the sweat. They die much faster when they dry out. Also, think about giving your workout towel a quick wash, as it's the first breeding ground for germs you can get in the house.
Now is when training from home should become fashionable. If many gyms close preventively, there will be those who buy some material to train in their living room. There are already brands that are seeing their exercise bikes or treadmills sold out, so don't be left behind.
With the new COVID-19 hotspots in South Korea, Italy, and Iran, I think certain Spanish athletes will eventually feel less comfortable going to their gym and more likely to order a Peloton bike to stay at home. This may lead to higher unit sales and subscription revenue in 2020 than companies are currently estimating.