If you’re like many Americans, you’re about a week into your New Year’s resolution to exercise more in 2022. Normally, this is the time of year that gym membership sign-ups soar throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the new omicron variant, however, not everyone is comfortable returning to indoor gyms just yet.
If your goal is to get fit this year, you’ll want to be at the top of your game and avoid getting sick or injured. That’s why the Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys created this guide to protecting yourself while you work towards your 2022 fitness goals. Whether you’re working out at home, heading outside to exercise, or getting back to the gym, check out these workout safety tips.
At-Home Workout Safety Tips
The safest and lowest-risk way to work out if you’re concerned about COVID-19 exposure is to devise a custom at-home workout routine.
As coronavirus cases continue to surge in southern Nevada and vaccination rates lull, modifying your regular activities can help slow the spread of the highly-transmissible omicron variant. An at-home workout routine will also save you time commuting to and from the gym and reduce your risk of the all-too-common Las Vegas car accident.
Do Bodyweight Exercises
Most of us don’t have the money or space for a full home gym, but you’d be surprised at how much you can do without any equipment. Lunges, squats, and planks are effective bodyweight exercises, don’t require a ton of space, and are quiet enough not to disturb your partner, roommates, or kids in the next room.
If you’re new to exercising, be sure to warm up and pay attention to your form—two common culprits for at-home workout injuries like pulled or strained muscles. Try some gentle stretching beforehand and watch yourself in a mirror to make sure your form is on target.
Enroll in Virtual Fitness Classes
Missing your group fitness classes? Many local yoga studios and fitness centers are still offering instructor-led classes online via video conferencing apps like Zoom. Services like Apple Fitness and Peloton also offer in-home training for biking, running, strength training, and more.
Grab an exercise mat and get into the flow! Just remember to be mindful of your surroundings and move any objects that could get in your way. Also make sure to wear the right clothing, even if you are at home—trying to do downward dog in socks on hardwood floor, for example, could result in a nasty slip and fall.
Make Your Own Home Gym
You can also utilize small accessories like resistance bands, dumbbells, or a jump rope in your routine. If you have the extra space, investing in a treadmill or stationary bike can help you get in some cardio while you’re watching TV or even working from home.
Outdoor Workout Safety Tips
After all the time we’ve spent at home over the past two years, it’s understandable to look for any excuse to leave the house. The good news is that you can safely exercise outdoors in Las Vegas, so long as you follow some basic social distancing guidelines. Here are some other workout safety tips for outdoor exercise.
Walk, Hike, or Bike Your Way to Fitness
Southern Nevada’s mild winters give residents plenty of opportunities to get active outside. There are dozens of hiking trails in and near the Las Vegas area at Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, the Spring Mountains, Lake Mead NRA, and Mount Charleston—not to mention the many suburban walking trails and public parks available for use.
If you’re walking, running, or riding your bike, remember to maintain six feet of distance between you and other pedestrians, bicyclists, or hikers. Although you may not be driving, pedestrians and bicyclists are expected to follow the rules of the road just like everyone else. Stick to designated walking or bike paths whenever possible and stay alert while crossing a crosswalk to prevent bicycle and pedestrian accidents.
Hit the Slopes at Lee Canyon
You can also hit the slopes at Mount Charleston for some skiing or snowboarding action. Lee Canyon is keeping skiers and snowboarders safe by adhering to National Ski Areas Association COVID-19 safety practices. Between spacious outdoor slopes, standardized safety gear (which includes face coverings), and slope safety etiquette, skiing or snowboarding remains a relatively low-risk activity for most people.
Workout Safety Tips for the Gym
Going to a gym is one of the best ways to get a full-body workout with guidance from a personal trainer or group fitness instructor. However, it is also the most high-risk exercise option during the pandemic. The decision to go back to the gym largely depends on your vaccination status, health concerns, and risk tolerance. Before you purchase a gym membership, it may be helpful to consider these questions:
- Does the gym have mitigation measures in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19? Face coverings are still mandatory indoors in Las Vegas, but not all businesses may be appropriately enforcing the mandate. Gyms that make other efforts like reducing class sizes and increasing space between machines may be a safer bet.
- Have you or someone you’ve been exposed to tested positive for COVID-19? If so, stay home!
- Are you currently awaiting COVID-19 test results? Isolate yourself until you receive a negative test result and are not experiencing symptoms.
- Do you have additional risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 illness (i.e., you are older, have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, cancer, or other underlying medical conditions)? Consult a doctor before beginning a new workout regimen and consider lower-risk exercise options.
You should also do your part to keep the gym safe for others. This means wearing a mask, social distancing when possible, and staying home when you don’t feel well. Be sure to wipe down machines before and after use, and try to limit high-intensity workouts when indoors. You may also help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by keeping your workouts on the shorter side and visiting the gym during off-peak hours.
If you do decide to hit the gym again in 2022, be proactive and follow our practical gym safety tips. Remember, too, that gym equipment can pose a serious hazard if you don’t know how to use it properly. If you’re not sure how to use an apparatus at the gym, ask a staff member for assistance. Report any equipment that looks like it may be damaged or defective to prevent accidental injury.
Legal Help For Those Injured While Working Out
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while exercising at the gym, outdoors, or even at home due to the negligence of another person or party, you could be eligible for compensation. Our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers have guided thousands of clients through every step of the personal injury claim process.
To arrange your free, no obligation legal consultation, contact our Las Vegas office 24/7 by calling 702-877-1500. You can also connect with a LiveChat agent online, or send us your case details for review by filling out this form. The call is free, the consultation is free, and you don’t pay a penny unless we win your case.