We go to a school where we are lucky to have access to three recreational facilities right on campus. With just a swipe of an appcard, an unlimited use of fitness equipment and group fitness classes are all yours. The amount of daily traffic that enters and exits these gyms, especially during spring break season, is of large quantity. As a self-proclaimed germaphobe, I have often wondered what is left behind after all of the sweaty gym-goers are finished with their daily work out. It just so happens that gyms, especially college campus gyms, are hotbeds of germ activity (this includes locker rooms as well). Because of the [often] humid and warmth of a gym facility, it is easier for germs—even ones that cause serious illnesses—to sustain and lurk.
Sicknesses such as Retrovirus, skin illnesses, MRSA, and even hepatitis A can be present in gym areas, especially locker rooms. It is crucial to always wear shoes in a locker room, even in the showers. Not only do germs live in the damp showering areas, but you also have to remember that shoes can bring germs in as well. How do you think they got there in the first place? Fecal matter is an agent for hepatitis diseases and you never know what someone’s shoe has stepped in (EW)! It is also a good idea not to sit on the locker room benches while naked; this only gives way for bad germs to enter bad places…if you know what I mean!
In addition to the locker room plethora of germs, workout equipment and accessories are a great place for bacteria to call home. Yoga mats are a prime place for skin infections and flu virus to hang out. My advice would be to buy your own yoga mat to use ($15-$20) and bring it with you to the gym. When you come home after your work out, just wipe it down with some bleach and water or an alcohol-based cleaner! The recreational facilities are pretty good about providing anti-bacterial wipes for us at the gym, but you can’t always trust other gym goers to thoroughly clean equipment. I suggest bringing a small bottle of hand-sanitizer with you and using it before and after you work out! Never touch your eyes or mouth—if you can help it—while you are workin’ on your fitness.
Your body may be getting more than a flat stomach and toned arms when you hit the gym if you aren’t being germ-conscious. You can lower your chances of getting one or even multiple illnesses if you just make a careful effort to keep yourself clean and avoid bare feet at all times. And as always, be a good steward and wipe down the workout equipment thoroughly for the next user!