“Gyms encourage you to wipe down any shared surfaces you use, even pre-COVID … “
Going to the gym and weightlifting is a great supplement to your training, or even just for your overall health. Maybe you’re brand new to the gym; a little intimidated by all the machines, bars, and bodybuilder bros. Or perhaps you know the exact routine for you, and after years of consistent exercise and gym attendance, you know how to use each machine for its intended muscle groups. You can be either of these people, or anywhere in between, and nevertheless there is a common exercise that everybody struggles with. I have seen many people ignore this crucial training technique, and if you look carefully, you’ll see it too.
Sanitizing!
Because of the pandemic, there has been an emphasis on sanitizing yourself often and thoroughly, but unless you work in a situation that requires it, you don’t necessarily have to consider decontamination of shared surfaces constantly. Gyms encourage you to wipe down any shared surfaces you use, even pre-COVID you could usually find sanitizing materials as you entered. This includes using hand sanitizer before and after your workout, as well as disinfecting any and all machines, free weights, and equipment that your body touches.
I know that it’s a bit tedious, and I’m guilty of not being perfect as well, but it is very important not only for your own health and safety, but for others too. If anything, it’s good for the equipment as well; I can’t tell you how much rust I’ve polished off some of the free weights by now, it seems that skill is definitely where people seem to lack discipline the most!
You don’t need to obsess over it, but really think about what you touch and consider the person before and after. Even if you have to pretend the Dirty Bubble was the person using it beforehand, and your good pal Spongebob is the person about to use it after, get sanitizing!