PHOTOS | Coronavirus: Gyms function with masks, outdoor exercises and social distancing

Experts say that it depends on where you stay. If Covid-19 cases are poorly controlled where you live, it’s best to stay away. But if you live in an area where the spread is being contained, there are ways to minimize risk when going for a workout. To ensure everyone stays at least 6 feet apart, gyms should take steps such as moving machines, blocking off areas and limiting the number of people allowed inside. Avoiding the locker room, bringing your own water bottle and using hand sanitizer also helps reduce risk. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also suggests checking in online, rather than in person, and seeking activities that are outdoors instead of indoors when possible. Gym staff should be cleaning exercise machines between uses and regularly wiping down other frequently touched areas with products that kill viruses. And experts say face coverings should be worn at the gym whenever possible.

Updated on: Jul 21, 2020 4:05 PM IST

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Published on Jul 21, 2020 4:05 PM

People exercise at the parking lot of a gym, where its fitness equipment was temporarily moved, as the government has not announced a reopening date for fitness centers, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico July 15, 2020. (via REUTERS)

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Published on Jul 21, 2020 4:05 PM

A members wipes down a kettlebell at a GoodLife Fitness Centers Inc. gym on its first day of reopening in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on Friday, July 17, 2020. Twenty-four districts, including Ottawa and Waterloo, are moving into the final stage of the three-part reopening plan as Covid-19 infections continue to drop. (Bloomberg)

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Published on Jul 21, 2020 4:05 PM

A member sanitizes their hands as they enter a GoodLife Fitness Centers Inc. gym on its first day of reopening in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on Friday, July 17, 2020. (Bloomberg)

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Published on Jul 21, 2020 4:05 PM

Members wearing protective masks lift weights at a GoodLife Fitness Centers Inc. gym on its first day of reopening in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on Friday, July 17, 2020. (Bloomberg)

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Published on Jul 21, 2020 4:05 PM

A sticker on the floor indicates where members should stand upon entering at a GoodLife Fitness Centers Inc. gym on its first day of reopening in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on Friday, July 17, 2020. (Bloomberg)

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Members participate in a spin class at a GoodLife Fitness Centers Inc. gym on its first day of reopening in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on Friday, July 17, 2020. (Bloomberg)

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Published on Jul 21, 2020 4:05 PM

A man exercises outside a gym, where its fitness equipment was temporarily moved, as the government has not announced a reopening date for fitness centers, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico July 15, 2020. (via REUTERS)

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Published on Jul 21, 2020 4:05 PM

A man pauses his exercise routine at the parking lot of a gym, where its fitness equipment was temporarily moved, as the government has not announced a reopening date for fitness centers, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico July 15, 2020. (via REUTERS)