Last month we considered various safety tips to keep in mind when it comes to our exercise equipment at home. What if we go to a gym though? We know regular exercise is good for us, but is the gym always a healthy place to be? What steps can be taken to ensure that it is?
If we think about the ideal conditions bacteria need to grow, it’s easy to see why a gym is the perfect environment for it. They’re warm, humid and don’t usually have a lot of natural light. A study actually found that there were more bacteria on some gym equipment, than that usually found on a toilet seat. So then, how can we can guard ourselves from this type of bacteria while working out?
We come into contact with most germs by touching them with our hands. So, the best way to protect ourselves is making sure we wash our hands thoroughly after, and even before exercising. Avoid touching your face to prevent spreading.
There are numerous communicable conditions that you could contract by going barefoot at a gym. Make sure you wear flip flops in places like the changing room, sauna or steam room etc.
Regulations for towel washing at a gym may not be as strict as say, that of a hospital. It may be a good idea to take your own towels with you to the gym. This way you are ensuring that it is only your own germs you are coming in contact with. Take a couple with you, one for sitting on when using gym equipment, or in the sauna, and a separate one to wipe yourself down.
While these are just a few reminders, staying as fit and healthy as you can during the winter and flu season months is vital.
If we think about the ideal conditions bacteria need to grow, it’s easy to see why a gym is the perfect environment for it. They’re warm, humid and don’t usually have a lot of natural light. A study actually found that there were more bacteria on some gym equipment, than that usually found on a toilet seat. So then, how can we can guard ourselves from this type of bacteria while working out?
We come into contact with most germs by touching them with our hands. So, the best way to protect ourselves is making sure we wash our hands thoroughly after, and even before exercising. Avoid touching your face to prevent spreading.
There are numerous communicable conditions that you could contract by going barefoot at a gym. Make sure you wear flip flops in places like the changing room, sauna or steam room etc.
Regulations for towel washing at a gym may not be as strict as say, that of a hospital. It may be a good idea to take your own towels with you to the gym. This way you are ensuring that it is only your own germs you are coming in contact with. Take a couple with you, one for sitting on when using gym equipment, or in the sauna, and a separate one to wipe yourself down.
While these are just a few reminders, staying as fit and healthy as you can during the winter and flu season months is vital.
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