My feelings were mixed about going back to the gym. I’m sure I wasn’t alone. Since hearing about the re-opening of all public gyms in the U.K on 25th July, I wasn’t jumping for joy.
Do I really need the gym?
Firstly, I’d got used to not going, even though pre-lockdown it was my number one place to do of an evening
Like so many people, I’d managed to devise an exercise routine which incorporated weights (my son has a few free weights knocking around), cardio, courtesy of my mini trampoline, YouTube exercise videos, and regular walks to, from and around my local park.
How clean will the gym be?
Secondly, there is still that matter concerning the coronavirus. It hasn’t gone away. I know there have been measures put in place to ensure that the gym is kept as germ-free as possible. Gym-goers are encouraged to wipe down equipment before and after using it. But, I still remain cautious.
Is the gym really worth it?
Thirdly, with my depleted finances, as a result of being furloughed, I’m not in a hurry to re-start my regular direct debit. This is why my first reaction was to instantly refreeze it for another month.
During the summer months, my gym visits were never frequent, choosing to replace them with long walks instead. I also told myself that I didn’t want to rush back to the gym, preferring to see from a distance, how well the post coronavirus gym environment worked.
Deciding to give it a try.
However, my intentions soon changed after my son, who was all too happy to start working out once more, assured me that everything was super clean and felt like a safe space. Less than two weeks after freezing my membership, I decided to unfreeze it.
Comfort and Cleanliness
The stifling hot weather forced me to put my lockdown exercise routine on hold. I may have walked into the gym cautiously but I’m happy to say that I exercised with confidence. I felt assured. It was obvious, with all the cleaning stations dotted about and disposable napkins and disinfectant readily available, that clean equipment was a top priority. Keeping a safe distance was also ensured, with appropriate floor markings and equipment rearranged.
Glad to be back in the gym
I didn’t realise how good it would feel to be back. There seemed to be fewer people working out, and it was easy to avoid close contact.
So far my visits are not as frequent as pre-lockdown. I suppose I’m still a little cautious about exercising in a confined space. But in time I know my confidence will increase.
