Outdoor Fitness Activities Are Key To Staying Healthy In a Pandemic World

Outdoor fitness classes are becoming more and more popular, but what about during this new, strange pandemic season? There have been many cases of the flu being passed on from person to person via coughing and sneezing. This is especially true in crowded spaces like gyms where it can be difficult to avoid touching surfaces that others have touched before you.

We're in the midst of a scary pandemic. In fact, the World Health Organization says that it's likely to kill more people than any previous outbreak because of its virulence and global reach. The fear is enough to keep many people locked at home for months on end, but what about outdoor fitness classes?

If you’re looking for ways to exercise and maintain or improve your fitness during the pandemic, the good news is that it can be safely done. Outdoor fitness classes do have some risks, but there are still many benefits to these kinds of classes. Read on to learn more!  

COVID-19 Risks With Fitness Classes

With all the attention paid to indoor gyms and fitness classes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, very little attention has been paid to those that are held outdoors. 

It’s obvious as to why, of course. When you exercise indoors, whether you’re congregating at the dumbbell rack, riding near your besties in an indoor cycling class, or panting away on the treadmill, you’re releasing and taking in droplets that could harbor the COVID-19 pathogen. These respiratory droplets are expelled when you sneeze, cough, talk - or again, when you’re breathing heavily as you exercise.

Although following CDC guidelines for reducing the transmission of the virus can help, there is really no such thing as zero risk. Even if you’re maintaining six feet of distance between you and your next closest workout buddy and wearing a mask as you toil away, you do still run the risk of being infected - or infecting others.

The good news is that vaccination rates are on the rise and infection rates are on the decline. Gyms are beginning to reopen under various guidances, such as reduced capacities, mask mandates, and new social distancing and sanitization protocols. Many gyms also have upgraded their HVAC systems to reduce the transmissibility of the virus, too.

However, you might still not be comfortable attending an indoor fitness class - and we don’t blame you! Many fitness classes still have yet to resume, anyway, as these often do not fall under the same purview as the rest of the services and facilities at gyms.

This mostly has to do with the idea of viral droplets circulating - there is an increased risk in fitness classes vs in a larger workout room since it can be more challenging for participants to stay apart. Although the virus can be spread on surfaces like exercise equipment, it is far more likely that it can be spread through the air with the people in your class.

Plus, there are some indoor fitness classes that do not require participants to wear masks - therefore, the small space, large class size, and intensity of the workout can really come into play when it comes to the dangers of indoor exercise. You’re probably going to be much more likely to contract the virus in a high-intensity Zumba class than you are in a low-profile, calming yoga class.

Are Outdoor Classes Safer?

As with other outdoor-only activities, such as outdoor dining, there’s no such thing as zero risk - but outdoor fitness classes are generally viewed as being much safer than indoor ones. These allow for better airflow and ventilation which can better disperse respiratory droplets that become airborne.

Because of this, the risk of these droplets landing in a vulnerable area, like your eyes or mouth, or on surfaces that you might touch is far lower. The breeze that’s typically present in an outdoor setting also makes the risk of airborne transmission much lower.

As a result, many gyms and fitness centers have begun to offer outdoor-only fitness classes. Whether it’s stationary cycling, Zumba, or yoga, there are all kinds of classes you can take outside to boost your fitness and get some fresh air at the same time.

Again, the risk is still not zero when you’re exercising outdoors - but it is much lower than indoors. As long as you are outside and social distancing is maintained, you should stay safe. Plus, wearing a mask can improve your odds even more.

How to Stay Safe

Generally speaking, following the same steps you would take to stay safe in all other areas of your pandemic life can help you stay safe while taking an outdoor fitness class, too. Wearing a mask, washing and sanitizing your hands, staying home if you feel unwell, and maintaining distance between you and other participants are both excellent steps to take.

However, you will also want to consider the type of class you are taking.

First, remember that location and setup are everything. Location, location, location! Some classes might be advertised as being totally outdoors, perhaps taking place on a rooftop or patio, but the reality is that the rooftop or patio is partially covered - so it’s not truly 100% outdoors.

The smaller the class is, the better. Similarly, you're going to want to take a class where the most distance can be maintained between participants. At least six feet is ideal - but farther apart is even better. There’s a good chance that you will be moving your body in all directions during the class (unless, perhaps, it’s something like a stationary cycling class) so you will want to account for that when you are considering how far apart everyone is spread.

Six feet is far from a magic number - it’s not like you can get COVID at five and a half feet but you can’t at six and a half. Therefore, it’s best to view it as an estimate and put as much space as you can between you and other participants.

Remember that it’s important to be cautious about classes that use shared equipment. THat’s especially true if it’s a circuit-style class, in which people rotate from one piece of equipment to the next with no time to sanitize in between. If you have to share equipment, make sure it’s been wiped down. You may also be able to bring your own equipment, like a yoga mat, dumbbells, or medicine balls. Always check to make sure. 

Bring Face Covering

It is also a good idea to make sure the class you are taking requires face masks - especially if distance can’t be maintained at all times, but even if it does, too.

If you’re hesitant about wearing a mask,remember that it not only protects you but also protects other people. It can reduce the spread of disease and the risk of infection. The best rate of reduction, of course, is for wearers who choose N95 masks - but there’s a significant benefit for all kinds of msks regardless. 

We get it - wearing a mask while exercising can be uncomfortable, whether that’s because you’re getting too hot or you’re breathing heavily. However, taking off your mask can not only increase your risk of infection, but it could make the other class participants uncomfortable. For gyms and other businesses that must adhere to reopening guidelines, as set out by the municipality, county, or state, taking off your mask could also be problematic for them, too - and make it impossible for them to remain open.

So do the right thing and wear a mask! If it’s still too uncomfortable, you may want to consider an alternative form of exercise that won’t require you to wear one (such as exercising at home or taking a solo jog in the woods).

Sure, taking a mask can take some getting used to. However, choosing a breathable mask that’s designed exclusively for exercising can help. Double layered cotton masks tend to be safe, effective, and breathable, too. Give yourself some time to get used to it, too. Try wearing a mask during a lower-intensity workout before you jump into a higher-intensity one.

One other tip? Even if you do wear a face covering during your outdoor fitness class, you might want to consider any reviews of the instructor (or her reputation in general). Does she like to get in people’s faces to motivate them during the class? Although this can no doubt be an effective motivational strategy, it’s not the best habit when it comes to preventing the spread of coronavirus disease.

Of course, if you really love the instructor you don’t have to forego the class entirely - you could always take it via Zoom, if that’s an option!

Hand Sanitizer

One thing you definitely want to avoid when exercising, whether that’s indoors or outside? Wearing gloves. Wearing gloves is not a great idea because it can give you a false sense of security, making you think you don’t need to wash your hands or sanitizer as often.

Although there has been no data indicating that the virus can be spread through sweat, you do still need to wipe down anything you touch to be courteous to others.

Water

Staying adequately hydrated is critical at all times, but especially when working out - and especially if you want to keep your immune system healthy. Whether it’s warm outside where you are working out or not, it’s important that you drink plenty of water during your outdoor fitness class.

Remember, dehydration can occur quickly - and you probably won’t even feel thirsty until you are already dehydrated. While you will want to push yourself, no doubt, in your outdoor fitness class, don’t push yourself too hard - especially not when you’re first getting used to a new class or to exercising with a mask on.

Avoid Crowded Classes

One of the golden rules of the pandemic has been to stay away from crowds.  However, as people look for ways to get back to normal, you might find that outdoor fitness classes are just as crowded as ever. If you can, look for small fitness classes that contain fewer than ten people. By keeping to classes with fewer people, you’ll reduce your risk of contracting the virus.

Ultimately, if you want to stay safe, working out on your own is the best option. This will help you keep your risk low while also breaking a sweat. Whether you go for a hike on a remote trail or head out on a run down your road, working out without company is a good way to reduce your risk of transmitting or acquiring the virus.

Of course, if you do decide to work out by yourself, just make sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times. It’s easy to get caught up in the fears surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic but that doesn’t mean you should allow other sensibilities and safety concerns to lapse. Let someone know where you’re headed and of course, keep your distance from other hikers or joggers to make sure you aren’t breathing in their air.

Staying Active and Exercising Outdoors Can Improve Your Overall Health

So should you take an outdoor fitness class right now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic? Only you can be the judge of that. COVID-19 is known as the novel coronavirus for a reason - it’s still very new and we aren't yet fully aware of all of its risks.

However, there are tangible benefits to getting in exercise that you need to be aware of. Not only can exercising improve your mood and help you maintain a healthy weight, but it can also help improve your immunity so that you have a reduced likelihood of contracting the disease - or of suffering from severe complications as a result.

Therefore, consider your own individual risk factors and your comfort level when it comes to signing up for an outdoor fitness class during the pandemic. Do you have a chronic condition? Do you have to take a group fitness class - or can you sneak in exercise in other ways? This will help you decide if an outdoor fitness class is right for you.

Karen A Mulvey is a personal social blogger and mom with 14 years of experience in the every day world of motherhood and sustainable product research. Karen is on a mission to help everyday families select sustainable, non-toxic organic products, stop stressing about uncertainties on sustainable home goods and apparel, and start living the life they’ve always wanted.

Follow Karen at @karenAmulveycs | Karen A Mulvey

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