MRSA: How to Avoid Staph Infection in the Gym

With the recent rise in concern over contracting methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA or staph infection, gym goers should become more cautions about their hygiene when they work out. MRSA is a bacterium that tends to live in warm, moist places and was once thought native only to hospitals. Now health experts and fitness trainers are paying closer attention to the risk of contracting staph infection in the gym. One can contract MRSA through the shared use of towels, razors, gym equipment and showers. Here are some tips for avoiding staph infection in the gym.

Make sure to cover all open wounds before going to the gym. This includes scrapes, cuts, sores and rug burns. MRSA can be deadly if it enters the bloodstream and staph infection can infect you through scrapes even if the wound did not draw blood. If anything is in question cover it with bandages, tape or clothing.

Some gyms are making extra efforts to keep staph infection out of their facilities. Ask your gym what it is doing to keep it's members safe from MRSA. This could be as simple as spraying down equipment more often throughout the day or washing the showers more frequently. Ask your gym if they provide newly washed towels and alcohol-based spray for patrons to use.

If your gym does not provide hand sanitizer bring your own. Wipe down the handles of any equipment you use and lay a towel over the area your body touches. Spray down every piece of equipment with an antiseptic before using it. Also make sure to wear gloves and wrap a towel around the bar for squats, bench press and any other lift where the bar will touch your body and possibly transfer staph infection.

Tough guys out there may be used to ripping callouses off of their hands at the gym but with the recent concerns about contracting staph infection at the gym, tape over any open cuts and wear gloves to prevent MRSA from entering through the open skin on your hands. Make sure to throw your gloves in the wash when you get home.

Bring your own hygiene items. This includes razors, soap, deodorant and towels. Sharing these items is one way to contract MRSA. Also bring flip flops or shower shoes for the locker room. Don't make the mistake of only wearing the shoes in the shower. Also wear them back to your locker and sit on a towel while you change shoes. Staph infection can be contracted through any part of the floor in a gym, not just the wet shower stall.

Use these tips while at the gym to help protect yourself and your family from the risk of MRSA. Remember that excellent hygiene is essential not only in the gym but at home and at work to truly protect yourself from bacteria and viruses. Clean your showers at home on a regular basis and wipe down the bathroom and kitchen with antiseptic wipes or spray. Building good habits to protect yourself from staph infection at the gym this year could help prevent new infections in the future.