MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Motoring
  • Video
MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Motoring
  • Video
Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

Joe Rogan Is Dead Wrong About the COVID Vaccine

Joe Rogan Is Dead Wrong About the COVID Vaccine

Australia's COVID Vaccine Rollout Is Starting Next Week

Australia's COVID Vaccine Rollout Is Starting Next Week

Australian Open Qualifier Discovers He Has COVID-19... Midway Through Match

Australian Open Qualifier Discovers He Has COVID-19... Midway Through Match

Loneliness Isn’t Just Sad – It Reshapes Your Brain

Loneliness Isn’t Just Sad – It Reshapes Your Brain

{headline}

{headline}

Meet The Heroes Doing Their Bit In The Fight Against COVID-19

Meet The Heroes Doing Their Bit In The Fight Against COVID-19

Mental Strength And Motivation Tips From A Special Forces Commando

Mental Strength And Motivation Tips From A Special Forces Commando

From 5G Towers To “Overreaction” Claims: The Latest COVID-19 Myths Busted

From 5G Towers To “Overreaction” Claims: The Latest COVID-19 Myths Busted

{headline}

{headline}

Here’s How To Spot A Fake COVID Vaccine

Here’s How To Spot A Fake COVID Vaccine

This New Science-backed Energy Drink is 100 per cent Natural

This New Science-backed Energy Drink is 100 per cent Natural

8 Movers and Shakers On What The Pandemic Has Taught Them About Life

8 Movers and Shakers On What The Pandemic Has Taught Them About Life

Melbourne's Third Lockdown: What You Need To Know

Melbourne's Third Lockdown: What You Need To Know

Here's How Covid-19 Has Changed The Way We Work Out For Good

Here's How Covid-19 Has Changed The Way We Work Out For Good

10 Health And Fitness Instagram Accounts That Are Inspiring Us To Take On 2021

10 Health And Fitness Instagram Accounts That Are Inspiring Us To Take On 2021

What Is Mask-Ne And How Do You Stop It?

What Is Mask-Ne And How Do You Stop It?

  1. Home
  2. Health

Government Orders Shutdown Of Gyms And Indoor Sporting Venues

It's the latest step to stop the spread of COVID-19 - by Lauren Williamson
  • 23 Mar 2020

As the number of cases of COVID-19 in Australia increase health authorities are asking the community to practice social distancing and strict hygiene in a bid to slow the spread of the infection.

UPDATE:

As of 12pm on Monday March 23 all non-essential services will be closed and these include registered and licensed clubs, licensed premises in hotels and pubs, entertainment venues and cinemas, casinos and nightclubs. Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway only. Places of worship will close and indoor sporting venues – this includes gyms.

WATCH how to prevent the spread of coronavirus...

Prior to the ban Melbourne-based GP Dr Preeya Alexander said the safety of gyms was "somewhat grey."

"I think a good way to put it is – do you NEED to attend the gym right now with other people to exercise or can you get some exercise in on your own in a manner that is safer for you and the community right now?" she told Men's Health.

"I don't want to alarm people – but right now going to the gym where you may be close to other people may not be the best move – particularly when we are encouraging social distancing to stop this virus from rapidly spreading in the community."

RELATED: How To Prepare For 14 Days Of Coronavirus Self Isolation

Even gym owners like Sam Wood, who runs Melbourne training facility The Woodshed and online program 28 by Sam Wood, said that heading to the gym should come with some concern.

"As a gym owner, it pains me to say it but yes," he told Men's Health. "It’s simply a matter of taking care of our health and fitness but being smart about it. The best way to do that at the moment is to work out in the comfort of your own home."

As well as taking steps to increase hygiene and communication in his facility, Sam says that personal protocols are essential if you're heading into a communal workout space.

"Don’t share drink bottles, spray down equipment yourself before and after use, use hand sanitiser, be aware of what your gym towel is touching before touching you again and be mindful of sharing mats and benches. In short – what did you touch last before touching you and have you taken all precautions since?" 

Dr Alexander also recommends avoiding peak times or crowded gym classes.

"The recommendation right now is to try and avoid physical contact with others and to maintain a distance of 1.5M between people. At a gym people are often very close together and the other issue is that people are touching multiple surfaces like weights/door handles/water coolers and so you may be more likely to contract the virus."

Many gyms have communicated new cleaning and class protocols to their members. Yoga studio Body Mind Life have reduced class sizes to allow a one metre gap between students and have suspended the use of shared equipment like bolsters, mats and blankets.

"We are in daily contact with all team members working in our studios, who continue to be stringent around hygiene and cleaning regimes including thorough, frequent hand washing," they said in an email. "We have also increased our cleaning in studio, particularly for those areas touched regularly by team members and customers."

F45 has also shared an update on their social accounts saying their class schedules had changed to allow for additional cleaning time and they strongly encouraging members to stay home if they feel sick.

It's important to note that recommendations are rapidly changing so keep an eye on Australian government advice. It is also critical that if you notice symptoms like a fever, a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, call your doctor or healthdirect on 1800 022 222. When you call, tell them where you have travelled or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus.

If your symptoms are severe visit your local Emergency Department and immediately tell staff where you have travelled or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case. If you have a surgical mask handy, wear one.

RELATED: 3 Myths About Coronavirus You Need To Stop Believing

Lauren Williamson
Lauren Williamson
Lauren Williamson is the Digital Content Manager for Women's Health and Men's Health. She's an experienced journalist, editor and social media fiend who's well versed in reporting on everything from food trends to fitness, health news to haircare. She has a double degree in Journalism and Political Science.

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Recommended to you

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

Joe Rogan Is Dead Wrong About the COVID Vaccine

Joe Rogan Is Dead Wrong About the COVID Vaccine

Australia's COVID Vaccine Rollout Is Starting Next Week

Australia's COVID Vaccine Rollout Is Starting Next Week

Australian Open Qualifier Discovers He Has COVID-19... Midway Through Match

Australian Open Qualifier Discovers He Has COVID-19... Midway Through Match

Loneliness Isn’t Just Sad – It Reshapes Your Brain

Loneliness Isn’t Just Sad – It Reshapes Your Brain

{headline}

{headline}

Meet The Heroes Doing Their Bit In The Fight Against COVID-19

Meet The Heroes Doing Their Bit In The Fight Against COVID-19

Mental Strength And Motivation Tips From A Special Forces Commando

Mental Strength And Motivation Tips From A Special Forces Commando

From 5G Towers To “Overreaction” Claims: The Latest COVID-19 Myths Busted

From 5G Towers To “Overreaction” Claims: The Latest COVID-19 Myths Busted

{headline}

{headline}

Here’s How To Spot A Fake COVID Vaccine

Here’s How To Spot A Fake COVID Vaccine

This New Science-backed Energy Drink is 100 per cent Natural

This New Science-backed Energy Drink is 100 per cent Natural

8 Movers and Shakers On What The Pandemic Has Taught Them About Life

8 Movers and Shakers On What The Pandemic Has Taught Them About Life

Melbourne's Third Lockdown: What You Need To Know

Melbourne's Third Lockdown: What You Need To Know

Here's How Covid-19 Has Changed The Way We Work Out For Good

Here's How Covid-19 Has Changed The Way We Work Out For Good

10 Health And Fitness Instagram Accounts That Are Inspiring Us To Take On 2021

10 Health And Fitness Instagram Accounts That Are Inspiring Us To Take On 2021

What Is Mask-Ne And How Do You Stop It?

What Is Mask-Ne And How Do You Stop It?

MensHealth
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Chris Hemsworth Hugo Boss
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Chris Hemsworth Hugo Boss
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

  • Women's Health

Our Network

  • Paragon Media Pty Ltd
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Men's Health

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe Now-

Shop This Offer
Subscribe Now