Staying Safe in the Gym: Avoid Staph Infections at the Gym

Gyms and health clubs are a popular choice for many of us who are interested in physical fitness. They offer the best option for facilities and equipment for almost anyone's fitness needs. However using public gyms can have negative effects on your health if the proper precautions aren't taken. Your workout habits and clothing can make the difference between a positive gym experience and a serious injury or infection. The following are a few of the hazards you might face in the gym and tips for avoiding these potential dangers.

Whether its your local health club or your school sports team's training facility, gyms are teaming with potentially harmful bacteria. Staph infections are some of the most common bacteria contracted in gym facilities. Some staph infections cause minor illnesses and skin rashes and are easily cured with medication. But some staph infections can cause serious illness and even death. One such infectious bacteria is known as M.R.S.A. The acronym stand for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. This particular bacteria is a strain of staphylococcus that is resistant to treatment with antibiotics. According to Reference.com cases of M.R.S.A. have increased recently making it the most common cause of serious staph related illness. M.R.S.A. progresses quickly in the first 24 to 48 hours after initial topical symptoms. In as little as 72 hours the infection can take hold in the tissue and become resistant to treatment. M.R.S.A. is such a concern in gyms because the equipment is used by a large number of people which increases the chance of an infected person transferring the bacteria to the surface of the equipment and on to another person. While you work out you sweat and sometimes sustain small skin abrasions making you more susceptible to contracting the infection. Although it is a serious risk, there are simple ways to keep yourself safe from M.R.S.A. and other types of infections while in the gym.

Safety precautions against bacterial infections start with your clothing. Certain workout attire can make you more susceptible to picking up bacteria that others. The basic guideline is skin coverage. The more skin that is exposed the higher the risk is. Choose workout clothing that will cover any areas of skin that consistently contact the surfaces of the workout equipment you use such as benches, mats and weight machines. This is because the equipment is the breeding ground for bacteria in the gym. Jogging type pants are ideal, but if you prefer shorts try to wear a pair that covers the area right above the back of the knee. The area just above the knee on the back side of the legs almost always comes in contact with any bench and weight machine that is used in the seated position, making it a very infection prone area. Next, select a shirt that will function the same way. Think about what areas of your upper body come in regular contact with the equipment you use during your workout and choose your shirt accordingly. Slim covering tank tops and mesh type shirts with large holes are a poor choice. A standard cotton or synthetic blend t-shirt works quite well. For those who spend a lot of time on mats during their workout such as wrestling, grappling and yoga practitioners, a long sleeve shirt made of a Rash Guard or Spandex type material offers the best protection while maintaining function and comfort. Also guys, while you're in the gym leave your shirt on. Most gyms today don't allow men to work out without a shirt on due to the health hazard, but don't do it even if your gym does allow it. Choose your clothing wisely and you can stay comfortable while still staying safe.

The next step to avoiding infection at the gym is adopting hygienically sound workout habits. One of the most important of these habits is cleaning the equipment before and after you use it. Use a towel and a quality disinfectant spray to thoroughly clean the surfaces of any benches, mats, stationary bikes or weight machines you use. Many gyms and health clubs supply these items for their patrons to use, but if your facility doesn't, bring your own with you. I personally recommend a product called StaphASeptic. It is designed to eliminate infectious bacteria such as staphylococcus. Another good place to use this product is in the locker room. Clean out your locker after each use and wipe down the benches and seats you sit on.

The risk of infection doesn't end with your workout. Many people pick up various infections while cleaning up after their workout. Locker rooms and showers, if not properly cleaned, can be teaming with potentially harmful bacteria and fungus. The methods for avoiding these hazards in the locker room are very similar to the methods used in the gym itself; Keep your skin out of contact with potentially infected surfaces. While using the shower always wear shoes such as flip-flops. This will protect you from foot fungus such as athlete's foot which is common in locker room showers. Also, any bathing accessories you use such as washcloths, sponges and bar soap should never be placed directly on the shower's surfaces. Have a container or small plastic sheet in the shower to hold these items. The next place is the sink area. Always keep your toiletries such as razors, toothbrushes and combs off the counter-tops in the locker room. Place them on a towel or keep them in a bag or container of some kind. Before and after you use the sink area, use your disinfectant spray to sterilize the sink and counter-top area.

Whether you're at the gym for hours each day or only once a week, use these tips while you're there and make your workout experience a positive one. Remember, the most important factors to keeping the gym safe are hygiene, respect of fellow patrons and just plain old common sense. If we all can remember these simple principles and put the to use each time we hit the gym we can stay fit while at the same time staying safe and healthy.

Source: HighBeam Research Inc., Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, www.reference.com