A person with active shingles can spread the virus when the rash is in the blister-phase. A person is not infectious before the blisters appear. Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer contagious.
Shingles is less contagious than chickenpox and the risk of a person with shingles spreading the virus is low if the rash is covered.

Depending on what phase your in. Just keep it covered and try not to rub it on the equipment. I Personally wouldn't, but that's just me.

I had them years back on my side. Before it showed I went to my mothers house and talked to her about how I was feeling. She said son you getting shingles. As I was a part time roofer at the time I said mom I haven't been on a roof in weeks. She laughed. At the time I didn't think it was funny. That shit ain't nothing nice.

i ahd them last year and continued to run my cycle and train.. my energy was down a bit from it but i worked through it.. i had the actual rash for about a month.. sweating did irritate it also but i just could not bring myself to stop training..good luck with it bro

I've had them, 3 years ago. Went to the Doc over them. Pain was so unbearable! He knows I use also and keeps me in check. HIS Advise to me was, REST,REST AND MORE REST! Which I hurt so much I could barely move. Lasted about a week. Good luck brother