Coronavirus: work out at the gym or at home?

Is your PF open? Closed in PA

I go early (4:30 am) to avoid crowds and get the equipment I want to use.

CAMN2010: I agree with you. I've been debating this in my mind for nearly a month. I can't see doing the 30-minute circuit or attending the fitness classes at all. I had a hard time trying to wrap my mind around using the gym machines or any of the free weights, balls, bands, etc that are constantly touched and handled by people. It doesn't matter whether they or I wipe everything down before and after every use. Just the number of people there working out in close proximity and people coming and going and passing you by and sweating and exhaling, as you said...it just isn't worth it to me. I almost convinced myself that it would be okay to use the treadmill or rower. But, like you, I talked myself out of it.

Now that it's lighter later and getting warmer outside, I'd rather walk outside for my cardio!
I can always work out in the safety of my home.

It just isn't worth it to me to go to the gym. I fortunately live in a place where I can walk. It is now light when I get home from work so I just walk. The last time I was at the gym I exhaled seeing all of the germ particles coming from my mouth. And I am not the only one. The ventilation system in the gym is terrible in the 30 minute circuit room which is what I use.
Then when I was leaving, I saw cars from NY, NJ and other states where cases are high. Yeah - no thanks.

I was surprised to see how crowded the gym was yesterday.

I found out we can't bring our own wipes from home into the gym. We must use the sanitation spray bottles they provide in the gym to wipe everything down. I wear gloves, too. Do you think that's enough protection?

I always wipe the equipment the equipment after I use it. I most definitely will do so before I use it from now on!

I was also told I could bring a towel to wipe the sweat off my face or use the paper towels they have at the gym.

If you are concerned bring own wipes. I have always wiped before use and after. I see others who do neither. I always wear gloves too.

I had not been to the gym since the coronavirus outbreak came to America.

I keep hearing that those 60 or over have been advised not to be in public or crowded places.

I just got an email from the CEO of Planet Fitness. It stated the PF team members conduct regular and thorough cleaning of all equipment, surfaces, and areas of the club and gym floor using disinfectant cleaning supplies. In addition, they regularly complete overnight deep cleaning of the facility. It also said that we should:
1) wipe down equipment before and after each use with the disinfectant spray provided at our sanitation stations located throughout the gym floor
2) Wash hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water;
3) Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands:
4) Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve or arm - not into your hands.

At first it reassured me that it would be safe to come back.

Then I got to thinking...
I'm a pretty healthy 65 year-old with no respiratory or heart issues. Is it safe for me to go?

Second question I have is this: what do I do if I'm sweating and I want to wipe the sweat off my face, especially if my hands had contact with various pieces of equipment? I'm wondering if I should bring my own supply of sanitation wipes and carry it around with me to wipe everything down before and after I use that piece of equipment. I suppose if I had wiped down the treadmill and just washed my hands before going on the treadmill, I should be safe....

What do you all think?