Everyone goes to a gym to get stronger and healthier, definitely not to get infections. Unfortunately, researchers have found it to be the breeding ground for a variety of germs. A majority amidst them affects the skin. That’s because the bacteria, fungus, and viruses responsible for skin infections thrive in sweat which is left on the equipment and other warm and moist areas of the gym. Without infection prevention, the dirtiest spots of the gym can lead to life-threatening problems.

Even though when everything is not avoidable, you can look out for such equipment and parts in the gym:

Weight Machines & Free Weights
Since so many people handle these equipment’s from day to day, it’s important to wipe them with a disinfectant before and after you use them. After all microbes like MSRA, an antibiotic resistant bacteria which lead to dangerous skin infections usually lurk there. So, why not keep yourself safe as well as others!

Cardio Machines
More than the free weights and machines, ellipticals, treadmills, and spinning bikes get way more sweaty and dirty. Therefore, they in comparison to others are more likely to get wiped down after use. But, that doesn’t make these machines any cleaner. Even after disinfecting them, they do contain traces of rhinovirus, staph, fungi, and even yeast. So, before you use them, thoroughly disinfect them.

Exercise Mat
Prevention of infection, in this case, can be made possible by simply getting your personal mat along with you. This way you can be peace that you won’t be lying in a slew of microbes that can cause skin infections like cold and flu, athlete’s foot, hepatitis A. If you are going to use the one at the gym, do remember to clean it with a bleach-based wipe or 60 percent alcohol disinfectant spray.

Locker Rooms
Locker rooms are the sweetest and most humid of all the places in the gym. Thus, perfect for the nasty buggers such as staph, strep, and MRSA to live, grow and spread easily. Initially, the problem begins at the ground level with everyone walking around in outdoor shoes, harboring organisms that can give you stomach flu to hepatitis A. Instead, wear flip flops and avoid sitting on the bench unclothed as traces of vaginal yeast have also been detected there.

Gym Pool
Did you know, 62 percent of pool related diarrhea outbreaks as according to the Centers for Disease Control is the result of chlorine resistant pathogen called Cryptosporidium? It is spread by contaminated fecal matter which often leads to ear and eye infection. Before getting into the water, do check for the data on pH testing and cleaning of the pool. In case, it’s not available, let your nose be your guide. Stronger the scent of chlorine, dirtier the pool.

Shower
A shower stall is a place you should never ever think about going barefoot. It’s that one place full of fungi and organisms waiting for the right time to give you an infection like athlete’s foot, warts, and ringworms. To make sure you get through it safely use the best athlete soap. Afterwards, blow dry your feet to make sure they are moisture free. And, if possible, try not to shave there.

Let not these nasty skin infections prevent you from doing great things in life. Infection prevention is not difficult if you know where and what you’re dealing with. We hope this post provided the insight you might have been longing for.

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