Ready To Hit The Gym? Prepare For Your Next Indoor Workout

Safety first 

If you haven’t been to a gym or studio since the start of the pandemic, it can be daunting to get back into your fitness routine. Rest assured, we have three simple to-dos to make sure you can take on your gym trip with ease:

1️⃣ When working out with a mask on, be sure to bring an extra mask in case your first one gets too sweaty. You can also buy an athletic mask intended for working out for extra comfort. 

2️⃣ Before or after using machines or taking a class, use sanitizing wipes to clean down equipment and clean your hands before and after your workout. The CDC recommends scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds, which equals singing the “happy birthday” song from beginning to end twice. 

3️⃣ Remember to stay at least 6-feet away from other gym goers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Get excited to be surrounded by motivated movers like yourself again!

Take it easy 

Whether you head back to your old favorite gym or you try out a new studio, remember to take it slow in the beginning. No matter your fitness level, it’s important to listen to your body and give it what it needs — being in tune with yourself will save you from injuries later on. 

Your gym may look and feel different than you remember, so take it easy and re-familiarize yourself with how to use machines so you can build up your strength and confidence. If you haven’t hopped on a stair climber in a year, it may be a little harder than before and that’s okay. Go easy on yourself and feel proud for showing up! 

Warm up, then cool down 

Getting back to the gym or studio is exciting, but don’t forget to warm up before starting your workout. Even if you only have 30 minutes to fit in the treadmill, make sure to prioritize at least a few minutes of stretching before hopping on. Practice dynamic stretches to ensure your body is ready to spring into action and to avoid any injuries. 

Remember, cooling down is equally as important as warming up to avoid soreness. If you’ve only been doing at-home workouts this past year, prepare to feel extra sore after your first gym session. If you feel like an injury is coming on or something feels off, don’t forget to rice: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Your body will thank you later. 

Preparation is key 

Before your workout, plan ahead what you need to bring and how you are going to approach your gym session. Here’s a little checklist to make sure you have everything you will need in your gym bag: 

✅ Water bottle

✅ Masks 

✅ Hand sanitizer 

✅ Sweat towel 

✅ Post workout snack 

✅ Headphones

Think about what equipment you want to use, how you’ll maximize your time there, and what goals you have for getting back to the gym. When you have a prepared mind, you also have a prepared body. Revamp your gym playlist and get excited to feel that post-sweat-sesh glow again. 

*Check with the gym and/or your local health authorities for guidance on COVID-19 questions. 

Get back to IRL workouts on Wellhub.Sign-up nowand explore our fitness partners. Find a gym or studio to love  — your feel-good journey starts here.