You head to the gym to improve your health. You sweat, you work hard, and you feel great afterward. But while you’re focused on building muscle or boosting cardio, you might be overlooking a hidden threat. Because gyms are public spaces with a lot of shared equipment, they can be breeding grounds for germs. Before your next workout, it’s worth knowing what you’re up against. In fact, understanding the risks of dirty gym machines is the first step to protecting yourself.
The Sweat You’re Sitting in Isn’t Just Yours
The most obvious gross factor is sweat. However, it’s not just the damp spot on a bench. Sweat contains whatever is on a person’s skin, including bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. So, when you sit on a machine without wiping it down, you are coming into direct contact with the bodily fluids of others. It’s a direct transfer from their skin to yours.
For this reason, always carry a towel. Use it to create a barrier between your skin and the machine’s surface. Most importantly, wipe down the equipment both before and after you use it. Most gyms provide sanitizing spray and paper towels for this exact purpose, so use them generously.
MRSA and Staph Love Dumbbells
Free weights are some of the most frequently touched items in a gym. Unfortunately, they are also some of the least frequently cleaned. Studies have found that dumbbells and kettlebells can harbor a shocking amount of bacteria. This includes serious pathogens like MRSA, which can cause skin infections that are difficult to treat.
Since you can’t avoid touching weights, your best defense is hand hygiene. First, avoid touching your face during your workout. As soon as you finish your session, then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Using hand sanitizer in between sets can also offer an extra layer of protection.
Yoga Mats Are a Haven for Fungus
The gym’s communal yoga mats seem convenient. However, they are porous surfaces that absorb sweat, dirt, and germs. This makes them a perfect environment for fungus and bacteria to thrive. Consequently, skin-to-mat contact can lead to conditions like ringworm and athlete’s foot. Just think about all the bare feet and sweaty backs that have been on that mat before you.
The solution is simple: bring your own mat. It’s a small investment in your health that significantly reduces your exposure to nasty microbes. After each use, be sure to clean your personal mat with a disinfectant wipe or a specialized mat cleaner.
Cardio Machine Buttons Have More Germs Than a Toilet
You hop on the treadmill and start pressing buttons to select your workout. In doing so, you’re touching the same surfaces that countless others have touched after wiping their sweaty faces. In fact, a study by FitRated found that the buttons on cardio equipment are teeming with germs. They often have significantly more bacteria than a public toilet seat.
While you can’t avoid touching the controls, you can mitigate the risk. For example, you can wipe the console down before you start your workout. And again, make it a strict rule to wash your hands immediately after your cardio session is complete. Don’t grab your water bottle or phone until your hands are clean.
Stay Fit, Not Filthy
Going to the gym is one of the best things you can do for your body. However, being health-conscious should extend beyond your workout routine. It also needs to include being hygiene conscious. By taking a few simple precautions, you can protect yourself from the gross reality of shared gym machines and spaces. Ultimately, a little bit of awareness and a few extra wipes can ensure your quest for health doesn’t lead to an unpleasant illness.
What’s the grossest thing you’ve ever seen at the gym? Let it out in the comments!
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