Coronavirus and indoor cycling - what you need to do to prepare/manage

by Angela Reed-Fox

Think about what gets touched (and breathed on) in the studio - saddle, handlebars, brake/resistance dial/gears, bottle cage, adjusters. Ewwwww.

The problem with viruses (or one of them) is they can stick around for up to 24 hours after their previous host has left the building - ready to infect the next person. The virus will spread when someone else touches that same spot and ingests the virus. It's like 'Pass the Parcel' except way more gross.

How is the virus ingested? It just needs to enter the body via the eyes, nose, mouth - and how easy is that, when you're using the towel you've hung on your handlbars multiple times in one session?

There are simple steps you can take to help your riders stay healthy and keep the studio safe and clear for others:

• Wash your hands after using any equipment that may come into contact with the virus - that includes anything in the public sphere - and definitely includes studio bikes.
  
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose where possible.
  
• Wash your hands after sneezing or blowing your nose.
  
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, coughing or exhaling a yawn.
• If you use tissues, dispose of them as soon as you've finished with them.
• When washing your hands, use soap and water and rub the lather thoroughly over all areas of both hands, not forgetting between the fingers and the backs of the hands. This should take at least 20 seconds.
• Sanitise fitness equipment and other equipment before and after each use. Don't assume the previous person cleaned it properly before you!
• Avoid close contact with large numbers of people, and with those who are unwell.
• If you or your dependants are ill, stay at home.
  
• When instructing, clean the mic, bike, and any equipment you've touched before and after use.
  
• If you're a manager, develop and implement a sanitisation policy which includes an increased cleaning schedule
  

ICI endorsed studios: you'll be receiving your branded template coronavirus policies - look out for them.

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