How to Avoid Gym Germs

Spending time in the gym is supposed to keep you healthy. While you may start looking great on the outside, you might not be feeling so great on the inside. Why? Because of gym germs! Yes, those little organisms, invisible to the human eye, could be making you ill. They’re there, so beware!

In order to understand why many of these gym germs can be harmful, one must know about the different types of germs, where they live, and how to keep them from interfering in your health.

Types of Germs

  • Bacteria. These are tiny single-celled organisms that feed off of their environment. Many bacteria hide out on places such as damp towels, showerheads and other people and are a leading cause for staph infections.

  • Viruses. Viruses can’t survive, grow or reproduce unless they have another organism to feed off of. Some common viruses are the cold and the 24-hour flu, which are often transmitted through personal contact.

  • Fungi. These are multi-celled, plant-like organisms, that aren’t usually threatening to a healthy person. Fungi dwell in damp, warm environments and contribute to athlete’s foot, jock itch and yeast infections.

  • Protozoa. These are one-celled organisms, like bacteria, but are less common. They love moisture and can be found in hot tubs, swimming pools and steams rooms if they are not cleaned properly.

Basically, these four types of ‘gym germs’ are the same germs that can be found on bathroom counters, doorknobs, toilet seats and handrails. Therefore, you should not avoid the gym--just try to avoid the germs.

How Avoid Gym Germs

  • Wash your hands. One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself from germs is hand washing.

  • Wipe down your workout area. Many gyms supply spray cleaners or disinfecting wipes for this purpose. If not, they can be bought at your local grocery store.

  • Wear flip-flops in the shower and locker rooms. This will help you avoid fungi. Protecting your feet will help prevent athlete’s foot.

  • Avoid sitting down directly on the locker room or steam room bench. Place a clean towel over the bench and then sit down. Be sure to wash it before reuse.

  • Continue to workout. The more you workout, the stronger your immune system becomes. The stronger the immune system, the more resistance to germs.

  • Vaccines. Make sure that you have had the proper immunizations.

  • Report it. If you find unsanitary areas around the gym, report it. If you feel that something needs to be cleaned, don’t be afraid to speak up.

OK, so we have covered what to do in order to prevent illness from gym germs. If for some reason you find yourself still suffering from gym germ phobia, there is another alternative—hire an in-home personal trainer.

In-Home Personal Training is a great option with less germs.

The great thing about in-home training is that you can get in shape without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home. If you know that your house is clean, you may feel more comfortable working out in an environment you are familiar with. Not only do you get undivided attention and privacy, but you also have an environment where you are less likely to become ill.

So, no matter which option you choose, whether the gym or in-home training, the message of this article remains the same—take the necessary precautions to avoid germs, so you can continue to have beneficial results from your exercise.


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