How to Avoid Infections at the Gym
However, you can take some common-sense steps to protect yourself at the gym: Goodlife Gyms provide liquid anti-bacteria dispensers, which are very helpful, when used at the right times.
- Make sure the equipment is clean. Gyms are
supposed to regularly clean off the equipment, but you should take your
own precautions.
- Sharing is not always best. Don't use someone else's towel. In some
cases, you may also get more peace of mind by purchasing your own basic
equipment, like yoga mats.
- Shower right after you exercise. Don't wait around in your sweaty
clothes if you've been using common equipment or participating in a
contact sport. Don't use a communal bar of soap, either.
- Wear flip-flops or shower shoes when showering. While staph gets
the headlines, the athlete's foot is still a pain. Protect yourself by
keeping your feet off the communal shower floor.
- Think twice about the sauna or the whirlpool if you have a cut,
scrape, or bad bruise. A couple of microbes thrive in hot water. If you
do use a hot tub, shower afterwards.
- Don't ignore symptoms. Whether or not you've worked out lately, pay
attention to a scratch, bruise, or cut that becomes red, hot, or tender.
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