“Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”
If you are a neat freak, a germophobe, or frequent gym-goer, that statement probably resonates well with you. My mother is one of the biggest germophobes that I know and this was, of course, instilled in me. I also happen to frequent the gym so you can imagine how important cleanliness is to me, especially when it comes to gym equipment. Imagine how many hands have touched those dumbells, how many sweaty backs have lied on those mats, how many butts have sat on those bikes. Now imagine a world in which none of this equipment got cleaned. What would that be like?
You don’t really have to imagine because what can result from unaddressed bacteria on gym equipment is actually pretty common. There are nearly three million cases of Staph infection each year in the United States alone. Staph, or staphylococcus bacteria, can live inside of the nose or on the skin without causing harm to its host.
It is when the bacteria cause an infection that it becomes a more serious matter, like causing toxic shock syndrome, although in most cases symptoms can be minor and easily cleared. Staph is a tough bacterium that can withstand many conditions, including extreme temperatures and high salt levels. Because of its ability to withstand these conditions, surfaces at gyms are perfect places for the bacteria to thrive.
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If gym surfaces aren’t properly sanitized between each use, members and staff alike are all at risk of picking up staph infection. Gyms with proper maintenance practices will wipe down equipment several times throughout the day, wash towels daily (if they provide towels to members), and encourage all employees to wash their hands regularly.
The best measures gym-goers can take to prevent Staph infection are washing their hands; covering any wounds, rashes, or scratches; avoiding sharing personal items like clothing and towels; wearing flip-flops in the showers; and wiping down any equipment before using it to ensure a sanitized surface. Gym-goers can also bring extra towels of their own to place between themselves and the equipment surfaces.
In the event that a person comes into contact with the bacteria, whether it’s on the treadmill or the yoga mat, it’s imperative to get to a doctor if symptoms of an infection develop. It is common for staph infection to appear in the form of boils or pimples, developing in the oil gland or hair follicle.
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If a person came into contact with staph and developed an infection, not only could it cause boils, but can also lead to impetigo, or blisters that will cause the skin to look swollen, red, and dimpled. If these symptoms are realized, it’s important to seek medical attention to help clear the infection as quickly as possible as there have been cases where the bacteria entered the bones, bloodstream, joints, and vital organs.
There are few options for treatment for someone who has contracted Staph infection. For those who experience boils as a result of the infection, the most common treatment is drainage. A medical professional will have to make an incision into the boil in order to drain any collected fluid. Medical professionals will also prescribe antibiotics, the type will depend on the sample of bacteria, and some cases will call for either an oral or intravenous prescription.
Of course, all of this can be avoided by taking the necessary precautions when entering and utilizing a public gym space.
Keep reading below to find out how to avoid bacteria at your gym!
Jasmine Danielle is the Associate Editor of BlackDoctor.org. She received her BFA in Dance Education & Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has since done work as a certified fitness & wellness educator, blogger, dancer, and designer.
7 Ways To Avoid Germs At The Gym
Most of us go to the gym to improve our health, but did you know you could pick up something at the gym that could make you ill? Viruses and bacteria can lurk for hours on the handles of cross-trainers and weight machines.
At the gym, you commonly expect to be able to exercise physically in an environment that is home to lots of diverse exercise equipment. Unfortunately, the gym is also a place where germs can become prevalent if you do not watch yourself and the environment around you.
If you're not careful, you will either spread germs to others or contract them yourself, and since the gym is a place for exercise, you don't want to lessen your experience by being unsanitary.
There are a number of common sense and practical solutions you can undertake to make sure that you can avoid germs at the gym. All it really takes is a little bit of focus and commitment to hygiene.
Don't reuse exercise clothes
Warm moist clothes allow bacteria and viruses to multiply, which increases your chances of getting infected with whatever you picked up from gym machines or mats. It’s best to shower and change clothes immediately following your workouts.
Don't go barefoot.
Wear flip-flops to the shower to avoid picking up a wart virus. But do go barefoot when you hit the shower so you don’t forget to wash your feet and in between your toes.
Cover up cuts
That will cut off an entry route into the body for germs like MRSA. MRSA that circulates in community settings like gyms tends to be less of a concern than tougher-to-treat strains that live in hospitals. MRSA picked up in the gym usually causes ugly spots or boils on the skin that clear up pretty quickly when treated.
Use disinfectant
Rub some on after using the elliptical or weight machines to get rid of any germs you pick up from these machines. If you’re not a fan of hand sanitizer, make an effort not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth while working out until you wash your hands. Or better yet, wipe down the machines with a cleaning spray or sanitizer wipe before you use it.
Don't use the same towel to wipe your face after wiping machines
You’re just transferring germs from the machine to your mouth and nose where they can enter your body.
Don't share soap or deodorant
Germs live on all these things, so best to bring your own personal grooming items to the gym.
Bring your own water bottle
Again, something that many people overlook, but what is so easy to do is to just carry your own water bottle from home. Doing so will allow you to hydrate yourself without having to put your lips to the gym water fountain or your water bottle to the gym water cooler. Germs can pass easily from the water fountain to your lips if others at the gym drink by putting their lips to the fountain. Likewise, germs can also pass from the water cooler to your water bottle if others at the gym press their water bottles to the tap on the water cooler.
