We all know that the gym is a place to keep your body fit and healthy. But what most of us don’t know is how many germs are floating around while you’re working out.
Do you know what the top 9 most germy areas are at the gym?
If not, you’re in luck because we are here to tell you what they are and how to avoid the germs.
- Cardio Equipment
Cardio equipment includes treadmills, ellipticals, stairmaster, and anything else that gets your heart pumping.
Because these machines are so frequently used, they accumulate a lot of sweat and germs. Be sure to always wipe down the equipment with a sanitized wipe before and after use. This will remove the germs and sweat left by the person before you, and remove yours for the person after you.
- Swimming Pool
Here at The Sportsplex, our pool is a big attraction, therefore, it has a lot of foot traffic throughout the day. Germs inside as well as outside the pool are in full gear during summer. The salt inside the pool kills almost all the germs left by swimmers, but to be on the safe side, here are some tips to stay healthy:
- Wear a swim cap
- Wear nose and ear plugs
- Wear goggles if going under water
Also be sure to rinse off after your dip in the pool.
- Radio and TV channel devices
If you like to watch TV or listen to the radio at the gym, you are probably using the channel controller that is attached to certain equipment. Because of the frequent use of these, they carry a lot of germs. To avoid these germs, be sure to wipe down the device before and after you use the equipment.
- Group class rooms
Whether you’re taking a yoga class or spinning, the room still has germs floating around from the class before you. Be sure to bring your own mat to classes, to avoid laying on germs. If you don’t have your own mat, lay a towel down between you and the mat. And as always, be sure to wipe your equipment down before and after your class.
- Showers and locker rooms
After a hard workout we know that you want a nice shower and change of clothes, but be sure to know your surrounding in the locker room. Just like you, others are sweating and sitting down on the benches. If you sit on the benches in the locker room, always be fully clothed to keep your skin away from germs left behind.
- Weight changing levers
We know that everyone lifts different size weights, so we also know that the weight changing levers on machines are frequently used. Coming in at number five most germy on our list, we want to remind you to always wipe down the lever before and after you use it.
- Sports activity equipment
Sports activity equipment are things like yoga balls. Because of their frequent use at The Sportsplex, we want to be sure they are as clean as possible. To keep you as healthy as possible, we recommend not touching your face until after you have washed your hands.
- Free weights
Free weights are things like dumbbells and kettlebells. Dumbbells are one of the most used items in the gym so they get a lot of germs throughout the day. After your use of free weights be sure to wash your hands before touching your face or mouth.
- Water Fountains
Water fountains rank as number 1 most germy in the gym. From the spout that the water comes out of, to the handle you press, they are germ central. To avoid these germs at all cost, be sure to bring a water bottle to the gym with you. If you need to use the water fountain be sure to wipe the handle and spout before using.
Our number one focus here at The Sportsplex is to keep you healthy. That includes everything to making sure your equipment is working, to making sure it is clean. Your use of these simple tips will help keep you healthy and in the gym everyday, because sick days just aren’t in the workout plan.
-The Plex team