Sometimes healthy living can be contagious–and not in a good way.
I am not a germ freak despite some of my recent posts on the subject. BUT, I took an oath as a healthy-living writer to make sure you are safe in the gym and in the kitchen. No, I didn’t. But I figured if I have to be grossed out so do you.
Earlier this week I was reading the Health section of the New York Times and came across this article titled:
Be Sure Exercise Is The Only Thing You Get In The Gym
As I was reading along, I nearly spit out my coffee. In a nutshell, the article explained that in addition to a great workout you can also get boils, athletes foot, ringworm, impetigo, and other skin infections in the gym if you’re not careful.
After reading the article I’m going to make sure I pack some antibacterial soap in my gym bag, bring my own yoga mat to classes, and remember my Safe Side Towels.
I think you should read the article for yourself, use common sense, and at the very least be sure to wash your hands before and after your workouts. Unless of course you like boils.
Now I really must go grab my yoga mat so I don’t get germany.
Miz says:
August 5th 2010I know. and it icks me OUT
so being the mature misfit I am I do my best not to catch ANY OF THAT and then I pretend it all doesnt exist…to prevent gagging just thinking about it all.
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lindsay says:
August 5th 2010I’ve gotten pink eye from the gym before. Was not pretty. Make sure to SANITIZE dumbbells, eek!!!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says:
August 5th 2010Ugh….so gross to think about! I’ll be sure to be extra careful about wiping down my equipment before and after now!
Julie says:
August 5th 2010Our gym has a rule to wipe down mats, benches, yoga balls, etc., after use. I ALWAYS bring my own towel and use hand sanitizer before and after. With all that sweat dripping and people grunting, who WOULDN’T?
Heather (Where's the Beach) says:
August 5th 2010I seriously try not to think TOO much about germs at the gym b/c it really grosses me out when I think about it. Ick. I don’t even like the movie theater b/c you don’t know who hasn’t washed their hair and been lounging back in that seat.
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman says:
August 5th 2010Ew, ew, ew. I’m a germaphobe so thinking of that makes my skin crawl.
Jody - Fit at 52 says:
August 5th 2010I go prepared. I have my own antibacterial gel, I bring one large towel for machines, floor etc. & know which side hits the bad stuff and I bring a smaller towel just for my face. I also wipe & clean down eveythings I work on PLUS put the towel down too! I shower at home!
Erika @ Dr. TriRunner says:
August 5th 2010hahah i’m so glad you posted this – i’m gonna bust out my safe side towels (that i won from YOU!!) today for day one of NEW MP4 TRAINING. yessssir!
Nichole says:
August 5th 2010We need a blacklight special from “Dateline” on this topic. ICK! ew ew
Chelsea @ Ask Fitness Coach says:
August 5th 2010Yuck! As if the sweat transfer we get from people not cleaning off their machines isn’t bad enough.
Thanks for passing the NYTimes article along. I like their clean & dirty bags tip.
Skyler Meine says:
August 5th 2010I heard of similar article a long time ago about how public restrooms are clear than gym’s. People just don’t care. The last two times I was at the gym I was running on a treadmill and got off to go get the disinfectant to clean it off and someone was already on it by the time I got back. The thing is I sweat a lot and it was all over the machine. I told the people I would clean it off before they started and they both declined. Crazy people.