Memo for MAF Gym Patrons

2022-03-30

MAF will initiate reopening of normal operations with our Gym in Building 320. 

Facility and Equipment Use: 

1. Only permanently badged MAF onsite personnel and government civilians are allowed to use the facility. USCG personnel will utilize the USCG Gym only. 
2. With the reopening of the MAF Gym, all patrons MUST first go through a health screening/clearance by the MAF Clinic. New gym patrons will also have to have a gym orientation. Once you have been cleared by the MAF Clinic and/or completed the gym orientation, if necessary, then you or your company representative can submit the NAMS request to gain access. 

Facility Cleaning:

1. Patrons are required to use paper towels/disinfectant wipes to wipe down all gym equipment used.
2. After use of the gym:
   a. Police gym and dispose of used paper towels/disinfectant wipes. 
   b. Secure trash and deposit it in the outside trash receptacle. 
   c. Patrons may use the locker room and showers. 
3. Patrons may use the locker room and showers.
4. Fans are to remain on in the gym for enhanced circulation.

Failure to comply will result in the suspension of Gym privileges 

Gym Facility is video monitored 24/7 

Before you begin: 

1. Don’t expect to be at the same level you were before

   Unfortunately, regardless of your preferred style of exercise, taking time off from exercising means that you will lose some of your abilities. It doesn’t mean that you’ll never be on the same level or surpass it. It just means that you may start at a lower weight, or a slower jogging/elliptical pace. This is completely normal. 

2. Be patient!

   Understand that it can be difficult knowing that you’re not lifting as heavy or running as fast or long as you previously did, but you need to be patient. Work with the strength or energy you have now, and trust that if you are consistent and continue to work out, you will return to your previous level of conditioning.
   Don’t try to push yourself from the get-go as this will only increase your risk of injury. And if you get injured, then you’ll find yourself spending more time out of the gym.

3.  Don’t do too much

   Don’t try to do all the exercises at once. Stick to a few to ease yourself back into it and give your body time to adjust to the change. Gradually you will return to your regular routine over time. 

4.  Remember you’ll probably be sore

   Feeling sore isn’t a good indicator of whether you’ve had a good workout or not. If you’re feeling sore, it’s probably because you’re doing a new exercise, or you haven’t trained in a while. So, if you’re getting back to the gym after a long break, you’ll most likely be feeling it the next day. The soreness won’t last forever. To help recover faster, make sure that you properly warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards. Also remember to stay hydrated.

5.  Get a trainer/workout app.

   If you want the extra help, try using a workout app. If you just need a little push to get back into training, then a workout app is a cost-effective method. You can choose the body parts you want to train, as well as goal-based workout plans.