For all of us health and fitness conscious people out there, making our way to the gym is definitely a regular thing, for nothing beats a good workout to keep us feeling at the top of the world.
But wait… did you know that the gym itself harbours enough germs to make us really ill if we do not practice better hygiene habits? Read more about this here.
We don’t mean to put anyone off by this statement, but the environment is a typical gym is always damp, comparable to a toilet. However, instead of water always being in use, as in the case of toilets, the gym’s dampness is due mainly to sweat from users. Owing to this, at most times, gyms are a haven for germs, bacteria, mould, mildew and even viruses.
Germs in gyms
Yes, there are germs in gyms, but they’re not there to work out. Rather, they only serve to make us ill if we do not take some precautionary steps to counter this. Some nasties that can be found in a typical gym:
- Staphylococcus aureus – This is a kind of bacterium that lives on the skin and is capable of causing a range of mild to severe infections. It can be transferred to gym equipment if a user has it.
- Influenza – a potentially dangerous airborne virus that, when inhaled, spreads to the respiratory tract where it multiplies.
- Rhinoviruses – these viruses are capable of making you ill with the common cold and/or upper respiratory infections.
- Dermatophytosis – a fungal infection of the skin also known as ringworm, tinea, jock itch (groin area) or athlete’s foot (feet area).
If you haven’t given this any thought, now’s the time to do so
What exactly does it mean to have good gym hygiene and why is it so important? Well, first and foremost, the germs that can be found at a gym are fully capable of making you ill. Ut may keep you away from your work, your social life and yes, even your gym life – for days or weeks. If your gym happens to be unsanitary, or if you do not practice good gym hygiene, it may result in dire consequences for you when you come to contact with certain viruses and bacteria. This may even result in skin infections, because the presence of fungus at the gym could also mean you catch fungal infections like athlete’s foot or ringworm – these spread easily and take weeks to heal completely.
It’s a bit scary to think about, but if you’re serious about your health and protecting yourself from contracting anything unhealthy from the gym, you’ll have to, quite simply, take gym hygiene into your own hands and deal with the situation. Source: www.fitformulawellness.com/
How Gym Operator’s Can Play A Part
“During these times of dangerous outbreaks, gyms can help by providing hand sanitisers for their clients’ use. Installing air purifiers will also be useful. It helps to put up a notice to remind users to wipe down an equipment before and after use, for their own good and for the benefit of others as well.”
Fadzierul Rahim, 29. Fitness Trainer, Activ Studio, Bangsar.
Cleaning supplies at the gym: Use them!
Most modern gyms have already taken the initiative to provide spray bottles of disinfectant at their premise for the benefit of their clients. Some may also provide disinfectant wipes for this purpose. If you have not been using them, it’s time you do. Wipe down the gym equipment, not only before you use it, but also after using it – you will be helping out more than you know. Just in case the gym runs out of these supplies, always bring your own wipes – better safe than sorry, we say.
Here’s one finding: A survey in the UK found that out of 2,000 people:
- 74 percent had seen other gym members not wipe down their equipment
- 49 percent had used someone else’s water bottle or towel while working out
- 18 percent had worked out at the gym while sick
- 16 percent didn’t wash their exercise clothing after every workout
What you really should know
In Australia, a study commissioned by a gym equipment comparison website looked at 27 pieces of equipment at three different gyms. Here’s what they found:
• The free weights had 362 times more germs than the average toilet seat.
• The treadmills had 74 times more bacteria than a tap in a public bathroom.
• The exercise bikes had 39 times more bacteria than a tray from a food court.
There are some further steps you can take to ensure that your time spent at the gym does not result in you getting sick. The key is to not let germs and viruses get the upper hand, and here’s what you can do.
- Mind any cuts: If you happen to have any kind of cut, or broken skin, keep the area concealed with a bandage through your workout.
- Keep a small towel with you at all times: This will make it easier for you to wipe off any sweat and minimise the transfer of it to the equipment you’re using. Remember to wash your towel between visits and don’t use it to wipe any gym equipment!
- Wipe down equipment before usage: Either use the supplies provided by the gym operators, or use your own. It will be a courteous act to do the same afterwards too.
- Don’t shave immediately before a workout: Shaving your skin immediately before going to the gym may maximise the risk of infection.
- Clean your execise mat: regardless if it’s your oen or if it belongs to the gym, make sure you clean the exercise mat before and after using it. A quick wipe down will do between uses, with a more thorough clean recommended at least once a week, if it’s your own mat.
- Be considerate of others when you’re sick: Skip the gym if you’ve got a cold, flu or anything else that could be spread to others.
Yes, your hands do still need to be clean
Although we are literally living in a time when dangerous diseases are lurking everywhere, you’d be surprised to find that not everyone feels that washing their hands before or after working out will make a difference. Still, think about it – you’re touching a lot of items that so many others have touched, from workout machines to weights and mats. There is no way to tell if others have a contagious illness or not, is there? So, for the sake of your health, don’t neglect to wash your hands with soap and water after your gym session. Or, at the very least, sanitise your hands with a hand sanitiser. You can actually do this every now and then during your workout – it’s quick, convenient and will not cause much interruption to your routine either.
At least bring some hand sanitizer so you can get your hands clean without interrupting your workout too much.
Working together for the wellbeing of our gym users
Throughout the entire MCO as well as CMCO periods, gyms should be more vigilant in aiding in their clients’ safety and wellbeing. As a trainer at Anytime Fitness, I am responsible for my clients as well. The gym provides hand sanitisers which have to be used upon entry itself. Body temperatures need to be checked too, and a QR code is verified for members entering the premises. Walk-ins during these times are discouraged; rather, a day before attendance, the gym now requires that an appointment be made via its Facebook page, in accordance to the dates and times available, and workout duration is kept within an hour only. All machines and equipment need to be wiped down before and after use. It may seem like a hassle but all these measures collectively help keep us safe, which is why it’s important for everyone to follow these SOPs.
Ashlabeey Nordin, 37. Personal Trainer from Anytime Fitness Hartamas
Take a shower as soon as you’re done
It’s actually a good idea to take a shower at the gym itself, especially if you live far away. This way, you know you’re not bringing home disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or fungi. So, provided you feel comfortable taking a shower at your gym, do that. Otherwise, just take one as soon as you get home. Note: Don’t neglect your dirty gym clothes, for they too need to be cleaned off. If possible, have them laundered as soon as you get home.
