Social distancing in the gym: less people, more workout

Clack, clack. I love that sound. It motivates me. The sound when I push the weight discs all the way onto the barbell. Clack, clack.

I recently realised that I missed that sound and the associated workout at the gym. It's probably been a similar experience for many plan holders over the last two months. Around one million members are sweating it out in the 1,200 fitness centres. Since Monday, they have been allowed to let their customers train again under certain conditions. The agonising wait is over and I'm suffering again.

Many requirements

My gym is also open. However, the entire wellness area remains closed for the time being. And group classes are also not taking place at the moment. Perhaps from 8 June, with further easing of restrictions. What exactly do I need to prepare for now? My gym has "briefly" presented its protection concept in an email. The list contains 21 points. Should I memorise it before training? Or should I stay at home and continue doing bodyweight exercises? I opt for option three and go to the gym unprepared. I'm curious to see what awaits me there.

Almost as usual, but only almost

In the entrance area, the usual protective measures: The staff sit behind plexiglass and I sanitise my hands. After the turnstile, everything is as usual. Almost. I change in the cloakroom. I'm on my own. As I've already come in my sports gear, it's quick. I read through the 21-point list after all. Among other things, it recommends turning up to training already dressed. As soon as I leave the cloakroom, I'm standing in front of the strength training area and a sign summarising the most important rules of conduct.

I go up one floor and look around at the treadmill, ergometer and the like. It's just after noon, which is usually rush hour. Only a few people are sweating during cardio training today. Every other machine is locked and marked accordingly.

I warm up briefly on the treadmill and then start my strength training. Back squat, deadlift, bench press and so on. The first few minutes feel strangely rusty. No wonder, after two months of bodyweight training without weights. But the muscles have a good memory and the strange feeling quickly disappears. That's good. Just like the fact that the few people present keep their distance whenever possible. And clean their equipment with disinfectant before and after use. Small tables with the material are available throughout the gym for this purpose.

After an hour and a half, it's over. I quickly change my shoes and sweaty shirt in the almost empty changing room, sticking to another recommendation from the 21-point list and skipping the shower. I make up for it at home. One of the few people present speaks to me: "It's finally starting again. I'm glad it's open again." So am I. I wish my colleague a good workout and go home. Not without sanitising my hands one more time on the way out.

Conclusion

Less crowds in the changing room, more space between the machines and they are clean. Okay, that should always be the case. But unfortunately it often isn't. Or have you always cleaned the bench, barbell and all the other handles you've touched before and after an exercise? Probably not. Me neither, by the way.

Maybe I should write here that training today was terrible. So you'll stay at home tomorrow. Sweaty faces behind masks. Instead of sweat, the pungent odour of disinfectant in your nose. Something like that. As far as I'm concerned, it can stay the way it is now. Social distancing in the gym: less people, more workout.