How to Keep A Germ-Free Gym (Infographic)
When it comes to keeping germs under control, both gyms and gym-goers have a responsibility to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene.
Why Is Gym Hygiene Important?
In the course of a single day, gym equipment will be handled by countless people. As a result, gym equipment provides a perfect breeding ground for a wide variety of viruses, fungus and infectious diseases. Some examples of health conditions commonly spread at gyms include the common cold (therefore, it may make you think twice about working out when you’re ill), Salmonella, Athlete’s Foot, Staph and more. A recent Fitrated study gave a shocking insight into average germ-levels at gyms:
- Treadmills have 74 times more bacteria than a public bathroom tap.
- Free weights have 362 times more germs than the average toilet seat.
- Exercise bikes have 39 times more bacteria than a cafeteria tray.
What Can You Do to Stop the Spread of Germs at the Gym?
Maintaining good hygiene habits at the gym will help you to limit germ exposure and to keep a lid on the spread of germs.
- If you are sick or injured be sure to take precautions. Avoid the gym entirely when sick so you don’t risk contaminating equipment. Furthermore, if you have cut or scraped your skin, make sure that the wound is cleaned and fully covered up.
- Keep germs at bay by washing your hands directly before and after each gym session. Washing your hands with soap and water for just 15 seconds can lower bacterial counts by about 90%.
- Bring a clean towel with you to wipe away any sweat that could contaminate equipment. Antimicrobial towels are a good option if you want to minimise your risk for infection. Lastly, don’t forget to wash your towel between workouts to eliminate germs.
- Wipe down equipment with anti-bacterial spray before and after use. Many gyms will provide these for you.
- If you’re taking a shower, be sure to wear flip flops to minimize exposure to nasty germs and bacteria lurking in the humid, crowded changing room.
Discover More About Germ-Free Gyms
To learn more about germ-free gyms, browse through the below infographic from The Cleaning Services Group. This interesting guide lays out some of the biggest health hazards associated with germs at the gym. This guide offers tips for gym-owners and clients alike, so that everyone can enjoy a happy and healthy fitness centre.
Scroll down to the infographic below to discover more.
COVID-19 Update
This article was written before the Covid-19 pandemic, but it now seems more relevant than ever. Throughout the world gym owners are doing their best to adapt to the change, mostly through creating online classes and practicing the so-called gym digitization. As we’re writing this, some countries are opening up, while others are preparing for yet another lockdown.
However, it’s important to note that even the countries that are slowly dipping their toes into the “old normal” can’t relax just yet. We still need protective measures.
In the case of gym owners in those countries that are allowing gyms to open again, it’s important that you follow all the rules from this infographic, but that’s not all! It would be wise to have hand sanitizer in your gym, so that all gym members can disinfect their hands before, during and after their workout. You can easily get mist hand sanitizer on Amazon, and in doing so you’ll know that you’re helping the members of your gym stay protected and safe.