4 Ways to Avoid Gym Germs

Whether New Year’s Resolutions or the cold weather outside are the cause, the beginning of the year brings a crowd into the gym. Everyone is there for the same purpose: to get healthier. Unfortunately, the gym can be a breeding ground for germs (especially around cold and flu season). The trick is to know how to avoid those germs the best you can.

We’ve rounded up 4 ways to avoid those nasty gym germs:

1. Wipe Down Equipment – Sure, we all know that gym etiquette tells us to wipe down the equipment after we use it, but not everyone does. Use the sprays at the gym or bring your own wipes to ensure the equipment is clean and ready for use. Want to be protected even more? Don’t touch your face and wash your hands after using the equipment.
2. Cover Those Feet – Do you shower at the gym or take your shoes off to do yoga? Make sure to have flip-flops ready when you do. Showering or walking around barefoot can leave you more at risk for athlete’s foot.
3. Wash Your Stuff – Those stinky, sweaty clothes in your gym bag are just waiting to cause trouble. Keep those potential problems at bay by putting your clothes and shoes in a plastic bag before putting them in your gym bag. When you get home, make sure to wash those clothes in hot water and wipe your shoes and your bag (inside and outside) with disinfecting wipes.
4. Watch Your Bottle – If you can, avoid plastic bottles because they tend to hold bacteria. The best water bottles are made of metal and can easily be cleaned with hot, soapy water. Regardless of your bottle type, keep an eye out for water stealers. According to a Nuffield Health survey, it turns out that 49% of gym-goers admitted to drinking out of someone else’s water bottle (gross!).

What are some other ways you avoid germs at the gym?