If you’re already regretting your New Year’s resolution to get fit, here’s your perfect excuse to avoid the gym.
A scientist has issued an urgent warning to fitness fanatics about the germs lurking in gyms.
Dr Primrose Freestone, a senior lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, warns that dumbbells, barbells, and workout machines can act as resevoirs for a range of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens.
This includes bugs that can cause everything from diarrhoea to athlete’s foot.
However, the microbiologist warns that the grimiest areas are actually beyond the gym floor.
In an article for The Conversation, she explained: ‘By far, the most germ-rich areas in any gym are places that are warm and wet – such as saunas, showers, swimming pools or hot tubs.
‘But many other parts of the gym are also riddled with germs – including on the equipment you might use every time you go.
‘Basically anywhere there’s sweat, there are probably germs.’
If you’re already regretting your New Year’s resolution to get fit, here’s your perfect excuse to avoid the gym
Dr Primrose Freestone, a senior lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, warns that dumbbells, barbells, and workout machines can act as resevoirs for a range of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens
While sweat is a key sign that you’re working hard, it is also an excellent nutrient source for bacteria and fungi – even after it dries.
‘This means any sweat that drips off of you (or other gymgoers) can be used by bacteria and germs to help them grow,’ Dr Freestone explained.
Warm and wet areas tend to contain the most germs, although the expert warns that they have been found ‘everywhere’.
‘Disease-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses have been found everywhere – from gym floors and door handles, weights and barbells, cardio machines, bicycle and treadmill handlebars, benches, chairs and exercise mats,’ she said.
The most common germ in gyms is Staphylococcus aureus – a bacteria that can cause skin infections.
However, previous studies have uncovered traces of viral infections including rhinovirus, influenza, Covid-19, and syncytial virus.
‘[These] can all persist in the air of an enclosed gym for hours,’ Dr Freestone warned.
‘They can also remain on hard surfaces for up to several days.’
In an article for The Conversation, she explained: ‘By far, the most germ-rich areas in any gym are places that are warm and wet – such as saunas, showers, swimming pools or hot tubs
What’s more, several common gym germs can spark skin infections including ringworm and athlete’s foot, Human papillomavirus (which causes Plantar warts), as well as impetigo and other skin rashes caused by Staphylococcus.
Before you throw the towel in, thankfully there are several things you can do to protect yourself from infections.
While your gym manager should regularly clean exercise equipment, there’s no harm in using antiseptic wipes to disinfect any equipment yourself – both before and after you use it.
Menwhile, washing your hands with soap and water is a ‘must’, according to Dr Freestone.
‘Hands are a vector for acquiring germs. If [washing with soap and water] isn’t possible, you can use a hand sanitiser containing at least 70% alcohol before and during your work out and after leaving the gym,’ she said.
As bacteria thrive on damp towels and changing room and shower floors, the expert advises always wearing shoes, and avoiding sharing towels, combs, or razors.
Meanwhile, to prevent skin infections, always cover any cuts or scratches.
‘Showering after your workout and putting on clean clothes is both refreshing and an effective way of removing any skin germs picked up during exercising,’ Dr Freestone added.
Finally, as arduous as it might sound, the expert claims that your gym kit bag needs to be sanitised ‘every use or two’.
