What to Do About Germy Gyms

So, what are we to do? Go to the gym or not go to the gym? Most experts admit that not every gym is germy and not all germs in the gym are going to make you sick. Most are harmless pathogens that live on our skin anyway and most of us have immunity to them. There are several things you can do to make the gym experience less germy for you.
 

Wipe Down the Equipment

The commons sense thing to do is to use antibacterial wipes and clean, clean, clean. Wipe it down real good prior to use and, if you are really nice, after use.
   

Don’t Touch Your Face

This is just some sound advice to prevent the spread of pathogens. If you touch the surface of something and then rub your eyes, nose, or mouth, you have just let bacteria into your body. The eyes get infected from organisms and this leads to conjunctivitis, or pink eye. There are millions of organisms that can enter the mouth or nose and lead to colds, bronchitis, flu, and sinus infections.
 

Lay Down a Towel

When you sit on bikes and other cardio equipment, lay a towel down before you plant your rear there. If you sit on a bench or chair, throw down your towel. Put distance between you and the unhealthy bacteria.
 

Bring Your Own

BYOT, bring your own towel. BYOW, bring your own water. BYOM, bring your own mat.  BYOS, bring your own shampoo. These items are your own and used to you only. If you aren’t exposed to other’s germs, you won’t get sick.
 

Protect Your Feet

To avoid fungi and viruses that invade your feet, wear shower shoes or flip flops. Be sure you wash and dry your feet thoroughly and use antifungal powder in your shoes. Remember, sweaty socks are a breeding ground for pathogens, so change them frequently. Don’t dry sensitive areas, like underarms, with a towel used on your feet because fungal organisms and other bacteria can enter broken skin that way. Remember, also, to never let your bare feet hit the floor.
   

If Sick, Stay Home

Staying out of public places when you are ill is a good idea. This prevents spreading diseases to others. Your resistance will be down when you are sick and make you more susceptible to other infection yourself. It is wise to stay home and rest.
 

Cover Cuts

If you have cuts and scrapes, cover them up with band-aids. This includes hangnails, dry cracked skin, and other breaks in the skin.

Bring Two Gym Bags

Keep sweaty and dirty gym clothes and shoes in a separate bag than where you pack your clean stuff. Since bacteria and fungus love sweat, the less your clean stuff is exposed, the better.

Checkout Your Gym

Probably the best advice you can get is to quiz the gym staff about cleanliness. This includes the child care area. Ask them about how often they clean the showers, the locker room, and the equipment. Inquire about types of products used, as well.