by Amber Hilton

Created on: May 29, 2007

If you visit the gym regularly, you are most likely concerned with living a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise not only decreases your chances of falling ill, but it also helps to avoid dangerous health conditions, such as coronary heart disease. Ironically, however, going to the gym can expose you to a myriad of different bacteria and viruses. Unfortunately, the large number of people and the warm, moist places inevitably found in gyms and health clubs, makes them an ideal breeding place for bacteria and fungi.

However, don't fret, there's no need to rush out and invest in a home gym. You can protect yourself from harmful germs by taking a few simple precautions.

- Thoroughly wipe down machines and free weights before and after use. Don't assume that the previous user wiped down the machine when they were done with it. Unfortunately, many gym-goers do not abide by this important sanitary rule. Your gym should have spray bottles of cleaner and paper towels available for this purpose. Not only will you be disposing of harmful bacteria, but you also don't want to be exposed to someone else's sticky, smelly sweat.

And of course, have the courtesy to thoroughly clean every machine you use before moving on to the next one. Focus your efforts especially on areas of the machine that have direct contact with the skin during normal use.

- If you notice that your gym is out of cleaning solution or paper towels, notify an employee immediately. There is no excuse for a gym to not always have cleaning supplies in stock. However, just to be safe, it's not a bad idea to carry your own travel pack of sanitary wipes.

- Don't be afraid to report other gym members who aren't abiding by sanitary guidelines

- Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin your workout and once again before you head home. This way, not only will you avoid bringing home any nasty germs, but you also will avoid exposing other gym members to your own bacteria or viruses.

- Studies have shown that used water bottles can breed dangerous bacteria. If you bring your own water bottle to the gym, make sure that you scrub it thoroughly with dish soap and hot water after every use, just as you would any other dish in your house. Make sure it is completely dry before replacing the cap.

- Avoid public hot tubs, pools and shower stalls when you can. Because these places are both moist and warm, they are often infested with harmful bacteria and fungi. If you must shower at the gym, wear flip-flops at all times. Shower stalls

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>