Gyms Rife with Potentially Harmful Germs, Experts Warn
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was second nature to take extra precautions to clean and sanitize exercise equipment at the gym. However, it’s possible that this attention to detail has waned over time, leaving users vulnerable to the spread of potentially harmful germs.
According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, nearly 75% of swab samples taken from fitness equipment such as dumbbells, treadmills, and exercise mats tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that can cause infections. Exercise mats, in particular, are a hotbed of germs due to the oils, dead skin cells, and sweat that fall onto them during exercise.
These pathogens can enter the body through small cuts or rug burns, and can also spread through skin-to-skin contact or by touching one’s face, which is done an average of 50 times per hour. Depending on the pathogen, users can develop a range of illnesses, from the common cold and flu to pink eye and athlete’s foot.
The most concerning strain is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is resistant to multiple antibiotics and can cause sepsis or even death if left untreated. Approximately one-third of people carry MRSA on their skin or in their nose, and it can spread quickly in health clubs through shared equipment and skin-to-skin contact.
To stay safe, experts recommend carefully cleaning and disinfecting exercise mats, as well as using antimicrobial mats and practicing good hygiene by washing hands before and after leaving the gym. It’s also important to allow disinfectants to remain on the mat for the recommended time, typically around three minutes, and to let towels dry before reusing them.
By taking these precautions, users can significantly reduce their risk of contracting a germ-related illness. As the experts say, the onus is on us to stay safe, and it’s up to each individual to take the necessary steps to keep themselves healthy and germ-free.