Gym and Corona Virus

kHartouN on 17/03/2020 - 09:05
Last edited 23/03/2020 - 22:28 by 1 other user

Just curious if you guys/girls are still going or if you find it a safety issue currently and are worried about unknowingly spreading the virus.

While I understand the severity of the current state, I don't think the situation in Aus is dire and completely out of control. I still head to the gym on the daily after work and it is something I dread in having to give up. The gym does a lot for me, especially mentally, so it is an aspect I do not relish to give up, even temporarily. Worst case I'll buy some weights off Gumtree if it ever comes to that, but as it stands I don't think gyms should be totally avoidable. For example yesterday the gym was packed as it ever was, good to see not everyone is panicking at home with their 8 years worth of TP.

Update: Gyms are now closed.

Poll Options

  • 16
    I still go, it is currently a non issue
  • 36
    I still go, but if sh!t hits the fan I will stop and wait for it to all blow over then head back
  • 96
    Nope not at all I will do what ever I can do slow down the onslaught of the virus
Health & Beauty COVID-19

Comments

  • theHMASfriendship on 17/03/2020 - 09:11
    +4

    Still got to lift big to get big.

  • Meho2026 on 17/03/2020 - 09:13
    +15

    This is the sort of thing about social responsibility, where you have to think, am I being selfish and putting myself above others.

    • pawan1993 on 17/03/2020 - 09:33
      +3

      Exactly. The impact of the virus isn't on the middle-aged, it's on the elderly or those with compromised immune systems who are at a genuine risk. By spreading the virus, you're putting those people at greater risk. Do society a favour and work out at home for a few weeks.

    • theHMASfriendship on 17/03/2020 - 09:34
      +11

      How is one being selfish when others will get to gaze upon a rig sculpted by the gods themselves?

    • Caped Baldy on 17/03/2020 - 10:28
      -1

      The crazy thing for me is that even now there are several other things that are killing way more people - in Australia, 3 people on the roads every day and over 50 a day from heart disease.

      • spiff on 17/03/2020 - 10:58
        +10

        I didn't realise road accidents and heart disease were contagious

        • [Deactivated] on 17/03/2020 - 11:02
          +1

          Traffic accidents are.

        • Kangal on 17/03/2020 - 11:19
          -1

          Actually, heart disease and road accidents are contagious.
          They transmit from person to person. Read up on Meme Theory by Richard Dawkins.

  • jimbobaus on 17/03/2020 - 09:37

    Fitness FIrst is apparently considering closing their Gyms for 2 weeks
    And the 24 hours gyms are reducing the hours they are open in my area.

  • payton on 17/03/2020 - 09:39
    +5

    Go to gym at 4am or when there are very few people around. And wipe the handles and shower knobs :)

    • lazyevenings on 18/03/2020 - 08:18

      I am considering this as I usually go at 6 am anyway, but yesterday none of the normal crowd had a towel!

      • payton on 18/03/2020 - 09:55
        +2

        Eeeeeek, abort, abort

  • GoldenDragon888 on 17/03/2020 - 09:49
    +12

    Please sign up for my revolutionary online fitness course "Flatten the Curves".

  • one man clan on 17/03/2020 - 09:59
    -2

    The situation in Australia is dire. The federal Government has shown nothing but ineptitude when it comes to this issue. We are seeing exponential growth in cases. We are not exceptional - we are on the Italian trajectory not the Singaporean/HK trajectory.

    • Diggins on 17/03/2020 - 12:15
      +1

      username checks out

  • DingoBilly on 17/03/2020 - 10:02
    +6

    Surprised so many people are against going…

    The current advice from government is that it's fine to go so long as you practice safe hygiene so I don't see any issue with going. Particularly as you say where there really is no dire situation at the moment - it will get worse for sure but there's not much reason to panic currently. For example, it's projected that in 2 weeks time there will be 2,500 cases… which is a pretty damn small amount in the scheme of things. Realistically, at this point in time driving a car is far more likely to result in your death than your chances of anything serious happening with Coronavirus.

    I am similar to you that I have some mental health issues and going to the gym helps with that a lot. I'm quite a bit worried what will happen with a complete 2 week lockdown but there's always exercises you can try to do at home which is what I'll hopefully bank on. Otherwise, feel free to hit me up for a chat if you're feeling particularly bad. But otherwise keep going to the gym - I don't see any reason why you'd stop until the situation becomes considerably worse.

    Of course if you are around elderly people or people at risk that's a different story but I feel you'd have mentioned that if that was the case.

    • Bargain80 on 17/03/2020 - 12:26
      +3

      For example, it's projected that in 2 weeks time there will be 2,500 cases

      If we do nothing, we will follow Italy trajectory.
      Which is 10K cases in two weeks time.

      Remember that even if you're around elderly people or people at risk, you might infect someone who are.

      • DingoBilly on 17/03/2020 - 15:12
        +1

        Based on current modelling it's about 2,500 cases:

        https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1u9fmHz3W8GjCTTDw0E7i…

        Not sure where you are sourcing your data from?

        Also not sure why you think we're doing nothing when we clearly are implementing many changes across society such as improved hygiene/closures of certain businesses/working from home policies etc.? Noting that current indications suggest we're doing better than other countries.

        • Bargain80 on 17/03/2020 - 17:14
          +1

          That is Australian projection, and I don't know who made it.
          What I said was, if we don't do anything, we will become the next Italy (10k in 2 weeks) . Current rate so far is similar and our test is 5 days behind so for the next 5 days, rate of new cases will be similar to Italy.

          • skid on 18/03/2020 - 10:34

            @Bargain80: The 10k 2wks might have been from here:

            https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-17/australia-doctors-cor…

            I'd think that the spreadsheet that DingoBilly linked to above is closer to the mark. @DingoBilly do you know who created that spreadsheet?

            • Bargain80 on 18/03/2020 - 11:24

              @skid: again, that spreadsheet is about prediction for Australia.
              Which might come true or not.

              I'm talking about Italy trajectory.
              You can find that info everywhere in Google.
              Or if you're too lazy, you can find it here.

      • Meho2026 on 17/03/2020 - 16:54
        +4

        We have strict testing criteria because we dont have enough test kits, same with USA and most of the world.
        Our detected numbers are just the tip of the iceberg.

        The countries that have done the most testing per head of population all have a similar mortality rate from Sinagpore, Germany, Norway and South Korea averaging about 0.2%

        These countries figures are the most reliable due to widespread testing from the outset. Germany set up their testing infrastructure in January, South Korea started manufacturing their own test kits before there was a case outside China. Singapore restricted mainland China arrivals on February 1st, against WHO advice.

        Ignore everyone elses stats, apply the high testing countries mortality rate to the number of deaths in other countries.

        Italy, Spain, France, USA, Australia etc, have 10 to 12 times the number of cases detected. Much more in Italy and Spain.

        The governments are well aware of this that is why they are reacting like this now, the horse has bolted, we cant get genie back in the bottle etc etc. Its too late.

        The UK seems to be the only government being honest with the people.

        The whole global management is now focused on not overwhelming the health system.

        Our government isnt even telling us the half of it.

        Elective surgeries were all cancelled in NSW yesterday at 4pm. The now closed day surgery units, are being turned into corona virus intensive care units, this is happening right now in Sydney public hospitals.

        I guess the government is trying not to panic us further but they have underestimated the fear instilled by a lack of forthright information.

        We do all need to calm down though, everyone is getting this virus sooner or later. Only 15% of us will get seriously ill.
        We just need to get it slowly so everyone doesnt get sick at the same time, that means reducing our social interaction and we need to keep away from the elderly and physically vulnerable so they can survive.

        The only thing to be frightened of is the economic fall out, so lets spend our money wisely and support local economies.

  • 87percent on 17/03/2020 - 10:06
    +1

    Suspended my membership for the maximum length of time (2 months)

  • onetwothreefour on 17/03/2020 - 10:28
    +4

    Maybe just skip leg day?

    • Bargain80 on 17/03/2020 - 12:27
      +1

      never skip leg day

  • FireRunner on 17/03/2020 - 10:43

    I voted no but only because I don't go anyway

  • toru on 17/03/2020 - 11:44
    +1

    Gym members must wipe down any barbell,freeweight handles,exercise bike & treadmill handles etc with alcohol infused wipes or paper towels with alcohol spray bottles to kill corona virus droplets which can continue to exist several hours after being deposited.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/03/2020 - 11:57

    Probably the gym area with ball sweat is safer than the changerooms with higher congealed sputum levels.

  • NatoTomato on 17/03/2020 - 13:11
    +1

    Well. I don't have Coronavirus. So I still go. But I do frequently utilise the wipes and hand sanitiser dispensers they have around the place, for no more reason than the bars being filthy.

  • crashloaded on 17/03/2020 - 15:40
    +5

    Still go but I don't touch anything, just flex in the mirror.

  • Meho2026 on 17/03/2020 - 17:42
    +6

    I hope everyone realises that this level of complacency is exactly what got Italy into trouble. Everyone just carried on as normal.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/03/2020 - 23:52
      -2

      Reductio ad Italiano alert.

    • Zachary on 18/03/2020 - 08:03
      +1

      Well yeah, coz it's not much of an issue….

  • bobwokeup on 17/03/2020 - 21:27

    Our work provides a gym on ground floor and have said we can’t enter if we’ve been in close contact with anyone that has travelled overseas in the last 2 weeks. My wife recently returned from overseas so I can’t go to the gym but I can still go to work?!

  • voiletmay on 18/03/2020 - 07:32
    +5

    No I have an elderly mother with extremely severe asthma, I am not risking myself as if I get sick, there is no one else to help her with groceries or any other help she might need.

  • PugHugger on 18/03/2020 - 08:11

    I gave up my gym membership 18 months ago and have been working out at home using www.fitnessblender.com. They have a bunch of free videos (running through YouTube), many are body weight only if you don't have weights. You can pay for four week - 8 week programs that you can repeat as many times as you like.

    I do have weights and frankly have seen better results in the last 18 months than I did in 3 years at the gym as the exercises I am now doing are far more varied than the classes (Pump/RPM etc.) or self directed cardio and weights workouts I did at the gym.

    Anyway, I get nothing out of it, but if the link and website helps someone in these odd times that is excellent.

  • Coops1 on 18/03/2020 - 08:41
    +1

    Natural selection.!

  • OzHunterNSW on 18/03/2020 - 09:53

    I stopped going five years ago and look better than when I was a typical gym junky.

    The environment is full of germs. People started to think I was a doctor… they would ask me questions,, and I would provide the answer.

    Festering sores, unable to be cured, because of the gym environment. I suggested that every time they come in and leave, to spray the area with the "heavy duty" disinfectant spray the gym were using. This cured the sores.

    It is an environment of sweat, with heated air - not a good mix

  • Diji1 on 18/03/2020 - 11:38

    An amazing number of people on this thread have completely missed the point.

    Instead of listening to a religious maniac working for businesses to screw you over including death, such as Scott Morrison or Donald Trump, how about you listen to doctors and the WHO.

    Their advice is isolate yourself.

    Going to the gym is in direct opposition to that advice.

    Doing stuff AFTER THE PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED is pointless and will lead to a situation like Italy or Iran occurring as too many people require treatment and some must be left to die. And unless you have been tested you don't even know of you are part of the problem. You could be a carrier infecting people.

  • H E B on 18/03/2020 - 12:50
    +1

    Its probably likely that the government is putting the economy first instead of your personal health. What would happen if australia stopped? Better risk the infection and let a few people contract the virus than risk a meltdown in the economy?

  • kiitos on 18/03/2020 - 18:01
    +1

    To me it makes sense to put gym on hold for a month or two, but if it goes for months and months, I dunno.

  • WT on 19/03/2020 - 13:51

    p90x2 at home 30-40mins and youre done.

    pretty much all you will need is dumb bells, sub another exercise if missing equipment

  • ash2000 on 23/03/2020 - 12:34
    Merged from COVID19: Gyms Have Closed. Now What? if You're Looking for Weights It May Be Too Late

    With the news all gyms have now closed I made a dash out to Kmart to grab some weights….. too late!

    https://imgur.com/a/j35Gr0C

    • FAISEBBBB on 23/03/2020 - 12:28
      Merged from Home Gym Weights Setup

      With the closure of Gyms around the country today, I am looking to purchase some equipment for home especially with PM saying the ban could be a number of months. I'm willing to spend $300-500, What equipment would the best investment? Currently I'm looking at pull up bar and 60kg adjustable dumbbell set for now.

      • eriklee on 23/03/2020 - 12:33

        4chan has some great corona gym setups.

      • DarthAntz on 23/03/2020 - 12:38
        +2

        Gravity is free. Use a wall and start practising vertical push ups.

    • DarthAntz on 23/03/2020 - 12:36
      +1

      Really good time to get into a work routine without needing weights and equipment. plenty of good videos on youtube. If you've got a partner, even better, as there is a range of pair stretching and exercises to do.

      Consistency is key!

    • AdosHouse on 23/03/2020 - 12:45
      +1

      Bigger question is, how do I cancel my gym membership now that they are closed. I can't keep paying for it if my industry is closed.

      • ash2000 on 23/03/2020 - 13:01

        I went passed 3 gyms today, whilst not letting people in they are all staffed. Good time to ask such questions.

      • beautysnippets on 23/03/2020 - 13:08
        +1

        My gym has suspended all direct debits.

        This might help: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees…

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 23/03/2020 - 13:08
        +1

        Contact your bank ASAP. Direct debits they can cancel immediately. Credit card is trickier.

        Keep in mind most gyms use a separate payment provider. Try contact them directly.

      • RockSand on 23/03/2020 - 14:09
        +1

        Went to ask my gym today. They said that members won't be charged during the closure period. (anytime fitness)

      • EightImmortals on 23/03/2020 - 16:15
        +1

        Our gym has suspended all payments, didn't even have to ask, not that would have cos I don't wanna be 'that guy' if you know what I mean?

    • tsunamisurfer on 23/03/2020 - 12:48
      +4

      This is a whole new level of a First World Problem.

      • [Deactivated] on 23/03/2020 - 13:00
        -1

        This is the 3rd gym-related post I've seen in 24hrs.

    • Slippery Fish on 23/03/2020 - 12:59
      +1

      Go to the local scrap metal place they will sell plates for about $1 a kg

    • bobbified on 23/03/2020 - 13:00
      +2

      The bags of stocked-up rice can be used as weights.

      • ash2000 on 23/03/2020 - 13:01

        I've only got 1kg or basmatti and 1 kg or jasmine. 😢

      • djones145 on 23/03/2020 - 13:45
        +2

        most will have to lift toilet paper

    • jjjaar on 23/03/2020 - 13:01
      +2

      https://imgur.com/gallery/bFRrpW0

    • 87percent on 23/03/2020 - 13:21
      +2

      After everything goes back to normal, there's going to be so much gym equipment on the 2nd hand market

      • GG57 on 23/03/2020 - 13:29
        +6

        Or, people will realise that they don't necessarily need to go to a gym

    • [Deactivated] on 23/03/2020 - 13:28
      +2

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGLzm-Gy0dQ

      Lol all these gym topics reminded me of this.

      Also you can make weights by filling bottles with sand or water.

    • FSTB on 23/03/2020 - 14:03
      +1

      Will the gyms keep billing us though?

      • 87percent on 23/03/2020 - 14:09
        +2

        My gym has halted all direct debit and paid in advance memberships at no charge

      • tallkid123 on 23/03/2020 - 14:18
        +2

        I'm with Fitness First. They've suspended all memberships as per their Covid 19 section on front page.

        In accordance with the Prime Minister's announcement, effective midday Monday 23rd March 2020 all Fitness First Australia clubs will close.

        Our members are at the centre of everything we do at Fitness First and with that in mind, memberships will be put on time freeze until we are able to welcome you back into your local club. We will contact you via email with the details.

      • kanmen on 23/03/2020 - 17:42

        Goodlife have only posted on their Facebook page, no email yet. We've been told our accounts are on an 'automatic freeze' but there's discussion in the comments that people have been told that our accounts will be suspended but still charged $5 a week.

    • atris17 on 23/03/2020 - 16:36

      Yep can confirm, all the gym equipment I bought on ebay has suddenly SPIKE IN PRICE
      Cant blame them
      It basic Economy 101, Supply and Demand
      I would suggest finding 2nd hand in Cash Converter
      Because those items r hardly listed online

      Lol first world problem indeed ! Stay healthy

      • ash2000 on 23/03/2020 - 17:42

        Yeah, got some items from eBay this morning too. I hope they don't try and claim they are suddenly out of stock.

  • bandit12 on 23/03/2020 - 19:59
    Merged from Help Me From The Closure of Gyms

    Hi, guys does anyone in Sydney have unused fitness equipment such as dumbbells and barbells with weights that I can borrow for the period of the corona virus. Since the closure of gyms maintaining my strength in free weights will be hard with as calisthenics promotes muscle mass and strength less than free weights. As I am a broke student buying fitness equipment is a no go. Thanks everyone

    • Slippery Fish on 23/03/2020 - 20:01

      Lol :) garage sales, I got all mine for $100… over 200kg plates etc.

      • resubaehtgnolhcs on 23/03/2020 - 20:04

        Jail house workout - not all inmates have access to gym equipment. Be resourceful, you find ways around it …

    • SnoozeAndLose on 23/03/2020 - 20:04

      I have 20kgs dumbbells set 20kgs of weight and 2 bars.
      Not being use for a long while. Can sale.

  • paraneoplastic on 23/03/2020 - 22:02
    Merged from Gym Forced to Close, What Happnes to Membership Contract

    So, been with good life gym for a bit on a 12 month contract

    Just got an email from then stating they will continue to charge $5/week during the forced closure and then credit the funds paid after the gym opens again. Had a quick squizz through the contract and there is no mention of this clause. In fact, there is no info redgarding what will happen if the gym can no longer provide the service you are paying for…

    My question to the ozb people is, is this an acceptable alternative or should we be offered the option to cancel the contract as in essence (from my limited legal knowledge, if the club can no longer provide the service (irrespective of the cause - since it wasn't stipulated) the contract would be void? - happy to be corrected on this) (And before i get attacked, i am leaning on just accepting this comprimise)

    • [Deactivated] on 23/03/2020 - 22:05
      +2

      GoodLife would be receiving financial assistance from the bail out pack. The $5/month they are charging is not within their entitlement.

      I wouldn't put up with it.

      • paraneoplastic on 23/03/2020 - 22:07

        Wish it was $5/month lol, it's $5/week

        Reckon they'd be receiving enough to cover the lost membership fees?

        • [Deactivated] on 23/03/2020 - 22:08
          +2

          Oh, fk that x4.

        • [Deactivated] on 24/03/2020 - 17:37

          Reckon they'd be receiving enough to cover the lost membership fees?

          Why do you care?

    • 87percent on 23/03/2020 - 22:06

      My gym (pinnacle fitness) is pausing all Direct debit payments

    • HighAndDry on 23/03/2020 - 22:16
      +1

      I'd expect payments to be paused. But that might push your gym into insolvency (zero cash in, fixed costs out), and then you're stuffed anyway.

      Continuing to charge and then crediting later is better for the gym's cash flow, and although normally ethically suspect, I can understand in the present circumstances.

    • Diji1 on 23/03/2020 - 22:18

      Contact Consumer Affairs in your state (it's not always called Consumer Affairs, there is a list on the ACCC website).

      • paraneoplastic on 23/03/2020 - 22:26

        I think they'll cancel if i push for it, since they have no ground to stand on - just debating the ethics of it (since everyone is doing it tuff right now)

  • kiitos on 24/03/2020 - 08:59

    Was concerned about this as well, just checked mine - Crunch Fitness are working on suspending payments, also on providing access to streaming workout classes it looks like.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-DIJdQjhZS/?igshid=1xyaq83aplyv…

  • SuperScope on 24/03/2020 - 09:20
    Merged from Gym Membership Fees during Covid19 closure period

    With the recent restrictions put in place on non essential gatherings, gyms have been forced to close their doors for the mandated 3 week period.

    I was recently informed by my gym that during this period the gym will 'suspend my account' so that I am not charged my full gym membership fees, however they will still charge me a $5 fortnightly suspension fee. Their rationale being that this is in line with their T&Cs.

    The T&Cs only really mention suspension fees within the context of a member initiated suspension, as opposed to a full gym closure.

    Personally, even though I dont agree with their approach, I get it and I'll accept it given the $5 fee wont really impact me and this shutdown isnt something the gym wants either.

    I wanted to check what the OzB community thinks about the gyms approach?

    • jjjaar on 24/03/2020 - 09:37
      +1

      Mine is free suspensions until reopen. They also offered up to 6 weeks free suspension for the last two weeks.

    • Any thing on 24/03/2020 - 11:53

      I’m in the same boat whereas friends at other gyms are not being charged at all during the closures, there is also no way to cancel membership at the moment. This is enough for me to change to a different gym when they’re reopened.

    • H E B on 24/03/2020 - 12:06

      My local has stopped payments and even gone as far as offering to refund newly signed up customers.

      Wouldn't the gym franchisors be assisting their franchisees with rebates etc? Esp. when they've been mandated by the government to stop, this and any government incentives may soften the blow which would help assist their impacted customers too?

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join