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. They should also be stored separately in the fridge. However, previous studies have uncovered traces of viral infections including rhinovirus, influenza, Covid-19, and syncytial virus. ‘[These] can all persist […]
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. They should also be stored separately in the fridge.
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.The CDC recommends using separate cutting boards and plates when handling these ingredients.However, the microbiologist warns that the grimiest areas are actually beyond the gym floor. 5. Don’t rely solely on expiration datesIf something seems to have a strange smell or colour, it’s probably better to be safe and pitch it.Perishable food should be refrigerated within two hours of when it was purchased, and the refrigerator should be set to below 40°F.’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.
Published: | Updated: 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.’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. 2. Avoid cross-contaminationMeanwhile, to prevent skin infections, always cover any cuts or scratches. Raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs can spread germs to ready-to-eat foods if not kept separate.Finally, as arduous as it might sound, the expert claims that your gym kit bag needs to be sanitised ‘every use or two’. 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.
Expiration dates aren’t the only indication of when a food item should be thrown away.Storing food properly is essential to combating harmful bacteria.’They can also remain on hard surfaces for up to several days.’Frozen foods should be thawed in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.’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. The correct internal temperature varies by ingredient, and only sure-fire way to tell if food is safely cooked is to use a food thermometer.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.To cook food safely, the internal temperature must get high enough to kill the germs that could cause food poisoning.If you’re already regretting your New Year’s resolution to get fit, here’s your perfect excuse to avoid the gym.
‘But many other parts of the gym are also riddled with germs – including on the equipment you might use every time you go. The most common germ in gyms is Staphylococcus aureus – a bacteria that can cause skin infections. ‘Basically anywhere there’s sweat, there are probably germs.’6. Don’t thaw frozen food on the counterMenwhile, washing your hands with soap and water is a ‘must’, according to Dr Freestone. ‘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. 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. 3. Use a thermometerWarm and wet areas tend to contain the most germs, although the expert warns that they have been found ‘everywhere’. 4. Store food properlyBefore you throw the towel in, thankfully there are several things you can do to protect yourself from infections. 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. Germs can survive across all of the different surfaces in the kitchen, so it’s essential to keep the cooking area and your hands clean.1. Keep a clean work spaceA scientist has issued an urgent warning to fitness fanatics about the germs lurking in gyms. By SHIVALI BEST FOR MAILONLINE Thawing frozen foods on the counter allows bacteria to multiply quickly in the outer parts as they reach room temperature.This includes bugs that can cause everything from diarrhoea to athlete’s foot.
