Top 5 gym items with the most microbes
Gym items with high levels of bacteria have been identified (photo: Freepik)
Working out at the gym can be both beneficial and potentially risky for the body. The dirtiest spots in the gym, which are literally teeming with bacteria, have been identified, according to HuffPost.
Mats
Sweat creates a warm and damp environment that promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi. A wet mat that doesn’t dry after a workout becomes a breeding ground for microorganisms.
When mats are used by many people in gyms, the number and variety of bacteria increase. Bacteria are transferred from one user to another.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, gyms often encourage shared use of mats. This increases the risk of transmitting bacteria and fungi from one person to another, especially if mats are not properly cleaned between uses.
To reduce the risk of infection, bring your own items, such as mats, towels, and gloves, to minimize contact with shared surfaces that are difficult to clean.
Balls
Exercise balls in gyms are another hidden hotspot for microbial growth. These items are often made of a specific rubber material, which makes them difficult to disinfect.
A 2019 study examining 16 gyms in Ohio found that over a third of surfaces tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can cause skin infections such as abscesses.
In 2016, FitRated conducted a study collecting samples from 27 pieces of equipment across three gyms. It was found that the surfaces of treadmills and stationary bikes harbored over 1 million colony-forming units of bacteria.
Bars and dumbbells
Dumbbells and other gym equipment can harbor bacteria and microorganisms. This is because sweat and skin secretions from many users accumulate on their surfaces.
To reduce the risk of infection:
-
Wipe down equipment with a disinfectant before and after use
-
Wash your hands after working out
-
Avoid touching your face during exercises.
Machine handles
Handles on treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes are another common hotspot for microbial growth.
If not properly cleaned, these handles can quickly become a carrier of infections.
Showers
The walls and floors of shower stalls can harbor mold, fungi, and other bacteria. Moisture promotes microbial growth, so be mindful of the surfaces you touch.
A study published on Cleaning Collective found that shower stalls contain over four times more bacteria than exercise mats. Elevated levels of fungi, mold, and Staphylococcus bacteria were specifically detected.
Floors in locker rooms and showers are often major breeding grounds for fungi and bacteria. Avoid placing gym bags on dirty floors, and wear flip-flops in the shower to prevent fungal infections.
Always use your own towels and hygiene products to minimize the risk of microbial contamination.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
