(PCM) The most important thing to take with you to the gym isn’t a magazine, or even your headphones, or iPod…it’s Purell!
Gyms are crawling with germs. One study found that 75 percent of weight equipment was contaminated with cold-causing germs, and even wiping surfaces down didn’t completely kill the germs. But that’s not even the worst thing you can pick up: MRSA and other types of staph infections can be contracted in the gym. While you may be less likely to come in contact with MRSA than cold germs, the gym is one of the most common places to pick up skin infections. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses all survive in moist spots, like sweaty mats and damp locker room benches…even gym-provided towels.
Lessen your exposure to germs by taking antibacterial disinfectant with you, using it periodically throughout your workout. Bring your own towel from home, putting it down over exercise mats, benches, and equipment to limit your direct contact with surfaces. If you frequently use the gym yoga mats, invest in your own and bring it. Avoid wearing too-revealing clothing; you want to limit your skin to equipment exposure as much as possible. And finally, never walk barefoot in the locker room!
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