Watch out for those germs in the gym

Sun-Times Media

For the most part, the benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks of contracting an infectious illness (like staph or MRSA) in the gym. However, there are steps you can take to minimize your chances of falling victim to germs in the gym, including:

• wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.


• cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.


• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.


• keep open sores covered with a bandage and make sure they stay clean in order to avoid passing on germs to others.


• never share personal items such as towels, clothing, swimwear combs, soap, shampoo or shaving gear with anyone else.


• wear sandals when walking in the shower or sauna, to avoid catching athlete's foot. Also thoroughly wash and dry your feet and use antifungal powder in your shoes.


• always use clothing or a towel as a barrier between your skin and shared equipment, such as weight-training machines, wrestling or yoga mats and sauna and locker room benches.


• use disinfectants on frequently touched surfaces in the gym. Germs can also be spread when a person touches an infected surface.


• insist that the gym have antiseptic wipes readily available to be used to clean equipment before and after each use.


• ask how high-touch areas and equipment are being cleaned, how often and what type of cleanser is being used.


• if the gym provides towels, know if the gym washes and dries them in temperatures high enough to kill germs. Normal "hot" washing and drying cycles are adequate.

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