The gym is a great place to sweat off some weight. It also helps in muscle building and the overall wellness of an individual. While gym sweat has a great benefit (insert benefit here), there’s one downside… Who would feel comfortable running next to someone smelling like a pigsty or leaving behind their wet-drenched equipment? That’s where hygiene comes in!
Germ Warfare
Just think about it; every day dozens of people touch these weights, benches, and machines without proper cleaning procedures germs can easily spread from one person to another. This may vary from common colds to more severe infections such as staphylococcal or athlete’s foot.
Wiping for the Win
Disinfectant wipes are usually available in most gyms so sprinkling them on before and after using any equipment will do wonders; bring your own spray bottle with some disinfectant if your gym does not provide any.
Fresh Threads
I don’t want to exercise beside somebody whose clothes have not been seen by sunlight since the last leg press. When working out, it becomes necessary to wear fresh and dry clothes. Gym sweat itself isn’t just about offending others with your smell. It also traps bacteria in your clothes, which can irritate your skin.
Shower Power
Sweating means working hard! But when sweat is left on your skin those pores become blocked leading to break-outs on your face back chest etc.. Make sure that showering right after exercising is the number one thing for you. If you cannot make it for a shower instantly carry an extra pair of clothes which you could change into something fresh.
Shower Etiquette
Remember gym showers are shared facilities but please be polite about it. You need flip-flops or shower shoes to prevent fungus from growing on your feet. Also, it is not nice when you are showering and the whole hot water ends.
Be a Good Gym Citizen
If you’re feeling sick, then do everyone else a favor and stay home. It is important that you don’t go for workouts while you are sick because this can exacerbate your condition and at the same time spread germs to others.
Hygiene Habits Beyond the Gym
Think about gym hygiene just like any other health practice in terms of overall health. Rinse your hands more often during the day, especially before exercises and after them too.
Wiping it down with a disinfectant wipe also does wonders for your gym bag and water bottle.
By following these simple rules on hygiene, all visitors at gyms can be kept healthy and clean. What one should always remember is that staying out of harm’s way as well as keeping those around safe from diseases is an easy task every time.
So pick up those wipes, slip into something fresh, and let’s get ready for some hygienically healthy exercise!