Federale01 said:
This is a BS false dichotomy. I have gone into my office every day since this broke out. I work in a large shared office. I am not afraid to go into the office, stores, etc. But I do not mind being uncomfortable or inconvenienced if there is even the slightest chance it helps my co-workers and their family. Wearing a mask doesn't mean one is cowering with fear. It means one is willing to have respect for those they interact with.
Only thing is, I know people that are bordering on cowering in fear. And it's unjustified. But unfortunately they believe the press and the over the top way the virus is being reported. A very good friend, who is a very smart man, just cancelled his gym membership as, per what he told me, "employees are skirting the guidelines." He doesn't feel comfortable. But, as a former employee of that gym, I can see where it would be impossible to truly do all the measures that gyms set forth sometimes. It is a larger gym. And given that the CDC has even dialed back their initial theories regarding how long the virus can live on surfaces, it is unlikely a person would contract it from a surface at a gym. Sure, small, enclosed rooms with a large number of people could be an issue (there is a well documented case of a cycle class where a number of participants contracted the virus). But there has been little evidence of viral spread in weight rooms as those are usually larger areas where social distancing is easy to accomplish unless during peak hours, and he doesn't go during peak hours. That includes weight rooms that do not enforce masks, which most I know about do not. But my issue is that he needs to train. He is overweight and its a tradeoff. If he doesn't go to the gym, he won't be exercising. And even he knows that those who are in very good shape have better immune systems. My advice was for him to create a garage gym. I did. Not for Covid, but b/c I worked in a gym. I would get pulled off the floor during sets and interrupted while training myself, which I hated. Plus I mainly use a power rack (not a smith machine-those damn things are useless except as an overpriced way to store plates) and if that was being used, I had to wait. so I slowly put together a garage gym. And for his health, I told him he needs to. He will feel much more comfortable and he has the money to do it.
I totally understand people not feeling comfortable but at the same time, I feel that there are other, greater threats in gyms like MRCA and other microbes besides Covid. I also feel that it is imperative one get themselves into shape especially because that is one comorbidity a person can have control over eliminating. The risk is worth the reward. So if you aren't going to train at a gym, build your own. I know it's hard to find equipment but they do come back in stock. Get on the email lists. Most manufacturers have them. And they get stuff in regularly it just sells out fast, so be on the ball about it. Walking and running alone won't cut it. One needs weight training to truly maximize the benefits of fitness. And, of course, a good nutrition plan. But I am just afraid the folks staying away from the gym are getting into worse shape now and are becoming even more susceptible to the viruses worst effects.
Other areas I see are people not going out to eat or not going to events and stores. That is also not good for your health. Again, it's a tradeoff. And if you are in the at risk category, sure. But these are younger people that are not truly at risk. But I truly feel that getting out and about is how we evolved. Socializing is essential. Experiencing things is vital. And especially when these people have children. I am glad you get out. Go to the office etc. There are people who don't though, yet their risk is very low of something serious happening to them.
. I'm not within 6 feet of anyone for more than 5-10 seconds throughout the whole trip. My point is, we tend to go overboard with rules and mitigation when something is new, rather than just use common sense. You see this all the time in businesses, government, everything. Rules for the sake of rules even when it makes minimal to no difference. I loathe that mentality. I need tangible, real evidence on something to make a drastic change or sacrifice.