How to Avoid Bacteria at the Gym

We go to the gym to get strong and healthy, so the gym is the last place we would think would be a threat to our well-being, but research shows that workout facilities can be a breeding ground for illnesses ranging from colds and viruses to bacterial infections. Microbiologists have discovered that dangerous bacteria lurk not only in the unpleasant sweaty residue left on gym equipment, but in hot-tubs, changing rooms and even sports drinks bottles. Some of the germs and bacteria can thrive for days in the humid gym environment, and are killed only when the area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
In a recent survey for Men's Fitness magazine, Dr Derren Ready, a clinical scientist in microbiology at University College Hospital in London, admits he was shocked when swabs taken from one unnamed London gym revealed dangerously high levels of bacteria. One site harbored 132 million bacteria in an area the size of a quarter, while the average count was 16 million, he says. Compare those levels with the 500 bacteria you could expect to find in a similar sample taken from a tiolet seat, and you can see why experts are increasingly concerned.

BACTERIA HOT SPOTS AT THE GYM

Gym EquipmentExpects have found that germs are found in every nook and cranny of the gym. On the bench-press, the bikes, boxing gloves, literally everything. Sweaty residue on gym equipment, particularly the machines often used by several people in quick succession, such as weights and exercise bikes, can also harbor infectious bacteria. The actual sweat is really not a problem, it is primarily the moisture from sweat that causes problems by helping germs to grow.

Locker Rooms and ShowersLocker rooms, and especially showers are found by expects to have a very high number of bacteria, including the types of bacteria which cause athletes feet and ring worm. They showers may look clean, but don't think that gyms cleans the showers like you clean yours at home (if they clean them at all!)

Dirty towels Dirty towels handed out to members are also a breeding ground for viruses and bateria. Gyms and health clubs are not governed by the same standards as hospitals, which set regulations for the temperature at which towels must be cleaned, so just because the towels say "clean" does not mean they are germ free

Clothing and Accessories The average pair of running shoes has 76 times more fungi than a toilet bowl! The warm, moist environment acts as a breeding ground for spores. Water bottles are carry germs and bacteria, usually from not being cleaned properly.

Hot-tubs and Swimming PoolsPoorly-maintained hot-tubs and swimming pools can be a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. And the warm temperature makes matters worse, the chlorine in hot tubs loses much of its disinfecting power, while the germs thrive. Even in cool pool water bacteria can live if the water is not maintained. The best way to prevent such bacteria from forming is to clean out the pipes to the pool, not just clean the pool, but this is open not done by the gym, or not done frequently enough.

Sauna and Steam Room The wooden benches in saunas and steam rooms which have lots of crevices, providing gaps for bacteria to live and thrive in. And the warm temperature again just makes matters worse, providing the ideal breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

DON'T BE SCARED OFF FROM THE GYM! Going to the gym is still one of the best things you can do for yourself, exercise can help prevent medical problems and boost your mental health- so I really hope I haven't scared you off. And there are some very easy ways to KEEP YOURSELF SAFE! Just follow the rules below:

HOW TO STAY SAFE

(1) Wash your hands thoroughly before and after exercise. I know you hear it all the time, but it is the most effective way to keep off the germs. Those cold-causing viruses and respiratory bacteria don't live for very long outside the body, but while they are alive they are looking for a way into your body. So after touching weights and machine hand rails, try your best to keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, ears and mouth until you can lather up.

(2) Wipe down the machines, preferably with disinfectant wipes, before and after use. Gyms should disinfect them on a regular basis, but it is good gym etiquette to make sure you don't leave a pool of sweat behind you. And it will give you piece of mind to know they are clean before you use them, because you cleaned them!

(3) Bring your own sweat towel, actually, bring two! Place one on machines and benches before you sit down to protect yourself. Use the other to blot sweat off your body. If you bring your own towel, you can ensure it is clean and germ free.

(4) Wash your water bottle, most people just use and refill, in between uses make sure you sterilize your water bottle with boiling water or put it in the dish washer to kill the germs.

(5) Wipe off yours shoes or leave them outside, your sneakers have a large amount of bacteria, more than most toilet bowls! Don't bring them into your house, and if you have to, make sure you wipe them down with disinfectant.

(6) Wear flip-flops when walking in the shower or sauna. Fungi and bacteria thrive in damp shower stalls. Flip-flops won't keep you fully fungi-free, but it is better than going barefoot.

(7) Sit on a towel or wear shorts in the sauna to avoid direct contact with the seating, which may contain germs and bacteria.

(8) Use your own mat or cover the one you borrow with a clean towel. Otherwise, you could end up coming in contact with bacteria and germs left behind on the mats.

(9) Change your sweaty shorts. You are more likely to develop a yeast or bacterial infection from leaving them on than from anything else you would encounter at the health club. So shed the shorts right after your workout. If you have post-exercise errands to run and can't shower right away, change into dry underwear and shorts first, then wash up and dry off thoroughly at your opportunity.