Going (or not going) to the gym

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

If the gym you go to isn’t closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, should you not go anyway?

2

We’d recommend going unless:

  1. you’re symptomatic at all
  2. you’re medium risk (or higher) or having been exposed, yet asymptomatic
  3. you’re high risk for medical complications, e.g. poorly controlled or severe respiratory disease, multiple medical conditions, immunocompromised, advanced age (>80)
  4. you have regular, unavoidable contact with those at high risk of medical complications

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019…ssessment.html

3

Hey Jordan,
if its not possible to go to the gym due to being for example closed, what should one do? I have a pull up bar en 2 chairs for dips. I am not good with body weight exercises yet so i can still improve.

4

Thank so much for this. After reading everything, I was wondering if I could ask you a couple follow up questions, if it’s ok.

I’m a healthy, 31 yo male with no symptoms. However, I work in a busy grocery store and while I’m extremely careful, occasional human contact that exceeds the CDC guidelines is unfortunately inevitable. The store is also a regular stop of many retirees and about a dozen elderly homes who’s residents have come into the store despite everything.

I also live in Portland, Oregon. There were a couple confirmed cases in Hillsboro, about 15 miles from where I live on the west side.

And finally to add to everything, my wife is pregnant (3rd trimester).

Taking these things into consideration, it seems like I should be staying away from the gym for now. Would you agree with that?
Thanks again so much for your time

5

Check the latest newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/barbellmedicine.com/march2020

6

I am unable to give you specific medical advice.

That all being said, someone who has an increased risk of exposure has an increased risk of becoming infected and spreading the disease. There are risks and benefits to any action.

For example, if you don’t go to work, your risk likely decreases compared to not going to work, right? If you don’t go to the gym, your risk also goes down- though likely not as much as one would think given the population who frequents gyms - yet there are potential harms too from not exercising too. Your geography also plays a role in this too.

My thoughts on the matter: https://mailchi.mp/barbellmedicine.com/march2020

7

Thank you!
My upperbody seems to be relativly weaker then my lowerbody so i think this is a good time to improve.
l want to get stronger at pushups, pull ups, chin ups and dips. I can do ~15 pushups, 2 @ 8 Pullups , 3 @ 8 Chinups and 2 @ 9 dips. I can train everyday if needed. What would be the best way to do this?