The gym can be full of germs – here’s how to protect yourself

Exercise is good for you, but the gym may not be.

Dumbbells, barbells and all the machines in between can serve as reservoirs for: wide variety transmitted bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens – such as impetigo, influenza and athlete’s foot. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to reduce the risk of encountering these germs during your next workout.

By far the most germ-rich areas each gym has hot and saturated places – such as saunas, showers, swimming pools and sizzling tubs.

But many other parts of the gym are also full of germs – including the equipment you may apply every time. Basically, wherever there is sweat, there are likely to be germs.

There is sweat complex mixture various substances – including vitamins, mineral salts, lactic acid, amino acids and lipids. That’s what makes it great source of nutrients for bacteria and fungi – even after drying. This means that the sweat that flows from you (or other gym-goers) can be used by bacteria and germs to lend a hand them thrive.

Bacteria, fungi and viruses that cause diseases have been found everywhere – from gym floors and door handles, weights and barbells, cardio machines, bicycle handlebars and treadmills, benches, chairs and exercise mats. The most common pathogenic bacteria detected in gym germ profiling studies were those that cause skin infections – such as Staphylococcus aureusa bacterium that can cause MRSA.

Stomach infections also pose a risk because pathogens such as Salmonella (which cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting). found on exercise equipment.

Germs can also be transmitted when coughing or breathing, and when we exercise, we breathe much heavier than usual. This means that any viruses living in our saliva and respiratory tract can be shed into the air and onto the surfaces around us.

Research shows that a number of common viral infections, including rhinovirus (cool), influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, can linger in the air in a closed gymnasium for hours. They can too stay on hard surfaces even for several days.

The clothes you wear at the gym may also raise your risk of getting unwell. Many of us exercise with our skin exposed to avoid overheating. But this puts us at risk of choosing a range of different ones skin infections after visiting the gym.

Some of the most common infections include Fungal fungal infections (such as athlete’s foot and athlete’s foot), Human papillomavirus (which causes plantar warts) as well impetigo and other skin rashes caused by Staphylococcus.

These infections you can get infected in the locker room, in the shower or in the sizzling tub.

Keeping germs away at the gym

Although the gym may be full of germs, luckily there are many things you can deal with protect yourself from infection.

Ideally, all exercise equipment should be disinfected frequently. Although gym managers should do this clean exercise equipment Ideally, this equipment should be disinfected regularly after each apply because germs can remain infectious on demanding surfaces made of plastic, steel and other polymers. hours to weeks – or even months. It’s a good idea to apply an antiseptic wipe to disinfect the surfaces of any equipment you will apply before and after you touch it. This will also protect other users.

Washing your hands with soap and water before and after going to the gym is a must because your hands are a vector for disease acquiring germs. If this is not possible, you can apply a hand sanitizer containing at least 70% alcohol before and during training and after leaving the gym.

Bacteria thrive on damp towels and on the floors of locker rooms and showers, so never apply towels, combs or razors together. Never walk barefoot in the gym to avoid germs living on the gym or shower floor.

To protect yourself from airborne viruses that may be found in the gym, get vaccinated and wash your hands before and after training. It will also lend a hand to wear a mask and, if possible, distance yourself from other gym users.

To prevent skin infections, always cover any cuts or scrapes with a dressing. Additionally, taking a shower after your workout and putting on spotless clothes is both a refreshing and effective way to remove any skin germs picked up during exercise.

Finally, don’t forget to think about the hygiene of your gym bag, as it will hold all of our towels and workout clothes that can harbor germs. To reduce germ buildup and odor, disinfect it after every or two uses.