Okay, maybe a little harsh on the title—but am I really? In response to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, many governors—including Oregon’s—have mandated that gyms be closed for a range of weeks. Professionally, I think (no, I know) that this is short-sighted and ill-informed.
Central to the spread of this and any virus is the general health of the population. Nearly two-thirds of Americans are over-fat (I/3rd are obese). This is the result of inactivity and poor dietary choices. This is an underlying cause for most disease. Exercise is well-known to reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infection (Google “Neiman’s ‘J’”), improve insulin sensitivity, and improve the regulation of blood pressure. (I could easily go on about the benefits of exercise—particularly its effects in combating “immune-aging”.) Bottom line: We need to be exercising now more than ever.
Gyms are safe place–especially in light of the novel coronavirus (nCoV) outbreak. Gyms have never been cleaner as exercisers are more diligent about wiping down machines and staff are ever more diligent about cleaning. One is hard pressed to demonstrate another industry that has done more to improve their environment against viral infection.
Social distancing? Gyms naturally provide for distancing greater than the recommended 3-m minimum suggested by the WHO (and what is supported in the scientific literature). ADA guidelines mandate distances between machines, and exercisers are always wise to give one another space. Certainly, gyms need to be sensible in their layouts—and this is what governments should be regulating.
It is true that gyms can be over-crowded at peak hours. (Let’s face it, though, that should be a bigger problem than it is.) Rather than closing gyms or placing one-size-fits-all occupancy restrictions on gyms, it is better that in crisis times, such as the nCoV pandemic, that governments restrict occupancy based on percentages of maximum occupancy. It makes no sense to limit gyms to a specific number of occupants without considering square footage and occupancy use. Frankly, gyms are underutilized and not over-crowded. Limiting gyms to a fixed number (e.g., 50) regardless of size is ill-informed. Closing gyms completely is, well, stupid.
Let’s be smart about how we affect the spread of nCoV. Priority should be to build host defense—i.e., natural immunity—and to protect those with suppressed immune systems—i.e., wash your hands and social distance. The effectiveness of masks is debatable, but at worst it is a mere inconvenience. Eat a healthy diet, increase the physical activity, exercise, and lose some body fat. Build your immune systems!! Don’t close gyms!
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!