Editor’s note: Before beginning any new exercise routine, consult your doctor. Stop immediately if you experience pain.
In today’s bustling fitness landscapes, maintaining hygiene often takes a back seat. This oversight can be dangerous, particularly in environments as communal as gyms.
Experts warn that neglecting cleanliness in gyms can expose you to a multitude of harmful pathogens.
A 2018 study from the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that nearly 75% of gym equipment, including dumbbells, treadmills, and exercise mats, tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium that causes various infections.
Particularly vulnerable are exercise mats, where the interaction between users creates an environment ripe for microbial growth.
Jason Tetro, host of the popular podcast “Super Awesome Science Show,” explains that we shed trillions of microscopic particles daily. These include dead skin cells and oils, all of which can accumulate on surfaces like gym mats.
Exercise mats, often made from soft, porous materials with grooves, are ideal for trapping these contaminants. The sweat and heat from workouts create a warm, moist environment—perfect for bacteria and fungi to thrive.
Entry points for these pathogens include minor cuts on your skin or exposure through hands that can inadvertently touch your face, a habit many people have about 50 times per hour, according to a 2020 review in Annals of Global Health.
From minor conditions like the common cold and athletes’ foot to more serious illnesses like flu, pink eye, and stomach flu, exposure to gym equipment can lead to various infections. However, a more concerning threat is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause severe infections, including sepsis, potentially leading to death if untreated. About one-third of people carry MRSA on their skin or in their noses, a figure estimated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This bacterium can spread rapidly in health clubs through shared equipment and skin contact.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Are Key to Safety
To protect yourself, it’s crucial to clean and disinfect surfaces thoroughly. Most gyms offer disinfectant wipes or sprays, which can be used according to their instructions.
Dr. Chuck Gerba, a professor of virology at the University of Arizona, advises against wiping mats immediately after spraying. Instead, allow the disinfectant to sit for the recommended time, typically about three minutes, to ensure it effectively kills bacteria.
Using wipes is also advised over sprays, as they contain a standardized amount of disinfectant. Spraying yourself can lead to insufficient disinfection if you don’t apply enough solution.
Another method is to use a clean, fresh towel to cover your mat before exercising. This barrier can reduce contact with pathogens. Remember to launder your towel immediately after use to avoid contamination.
Using your own exercise mat, either at home or in the gym, can reduce your risk of picking up germs from others. However, routine cleaning is essential for maintaining hygiene.
Cleaning involves removing visible dirt, sweat, and oils using a mild detergent and water. Disinfection should be done using commercial products designed to kill bacteria and fungi. Tetro suggests cleaning your mat after each use and disinfecting it approximately every ten uses.
Certain exercise mats are treated with antimicrobial agents, reducing bacterial growth but still requiring regular cleaning and disinfection.
Lastly, always wash your hands thoroughly after leaving the gym or handling shared equipment to prevent the transfer of pathogens.
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