Are water aerobics safe during COVID?

"Wearing a mask in the pool is impractical, so I don’t think a water aerobics class with multiple people is advisable."

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September 17, 2020 - 9:11 AM

Dear Dr. Roach: I found my water aerobics class very helpful. Would a water aerobics class be safe during the coronavirus pandemic? Do the chemicals in the water kill the virus? 

— A.

Dr. Keith Roach

Answer: The primary way of spreading coronavirus is person-to-person via respiratory droplets. If you are a few feet from another person, and you are both breathing heavily from exertion (or singing), then there is a high risk of transmitting the virus. Being in a pool does little or nothing to reduce that risk. Wearing a mask in the pool is impractical, so I don’t think a water aerobics class with multiple people is advisable.

Dear Dr. Roach: I’m 70 years old and do 400 push-ups every morning. I also lift weights two days a week. I have developed an epigastric hernia. It doesn’t bother me, and my primary doctor said leave it alone. Can I continue my exercise program without causing further damage? I do wear a brace during my workout and feel absolutely no pain. —R.S.

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