While we’re sure all members of the gym are in agreement that sharing bodily fluids is far from our priority list right now, especially as we’re all working to keep each other and ourselves safe as lockdown restrictions ease, how do we actually avoid germs when were in a gym environment?

Should you wear a mask in the gym?

We know how important social distancing is, and most gyms have implemented a ‘zone’ system on their floors to ensure that customers stay at least two metres apart. “Coronavirus spreads through virus-filled droplets that come out of an infected person’s airway,” explains Dr Claudia Pastides, a GP for Babylon Healthcare. With the panting, heavy breathing, grunting and loud talking that comes in a gym environment, it’s very easy for droplets to spread, says Dr Pastides.

It makes sense to wear a mask then, right? Not so fast. The World Health Organisation states that wearing a mask when exercising can make it become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms.

If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask you must make sure that you leave it put: “If you’re going to keep touching it or removing it, you’re better off not wearing one,” says Dr Pastides, as touching the mask will spread germs from the gym floor to your face and visa versa, which defeats the whole object.

Coronavirus: how to avoid germs at the gym now that fitness centres are opening again