The other day I was completely grossed out and horrified when some rude, sneezing, snarfing, and sick person was working out next to me. (Makes no sense, because we're working out to feel good and get fit/healthy right)? With all the people, sweat, and warmth, gyms are the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. Here are a few ways to protect yourself and avoid getting sick from nasty germs (and people) at the gym.
Stay home if you're sick. Do you want to catch a cold from a sick person at the gym? Of course not! And other people don't want to pick up your sick germs either. If you are have a fever, are sneezing, and/or coughing, you are contagious. Stay home. If you have a cold, give yourself a chance to rest and recover and return to the gym when you are feeling better. If you do feel up to working out, try exercising at home or outdoors instead where you won't infect others.
If someone is sick, stay away from them. Studies show germs from a sneezing/coughing person travel up to a 4 to 6-feet. So stay at least 8 to 10 feet away from someone who is coughing or sneezing. If the person seems really ill then, inform the gym manager who should ask that member to leave immediately. (Plus, you'll avoid a potentially uncomfortable confrontation with the person. Let the gym manager play bad cop.)
Clean the gym equipment before and after use. All gyms should have spray bottles with cleaning solution and paper towels available. Don't assume that the person who used the machine before you cleaned it. Wipe the machine down before you use it and clean it again when you're finished. Clean the handles, keypads, and tension adjusters-any place the person before you may have touched.
Rally your gym to properly clean the equipment. Ask your gym to use green, biodegradable anti-microbial cleaning disinfectant to clean the gym equipment. During flu season the equipment should be cleaned and wiped down frequently during the day, especially during high use periods. *One pet peeve I personally have is when the cleaning crew uses the same filthy rag over and over again. This is spreading germs, not killing them. Speak with the gym manager to inform the cleaning crew to change rags frequently along with washing them afterwards for proper disinfecting.
CONTINUE READING: How to Avoid Getting Sick at The Gym
By Linda LaRue for Intent.com
For more green fitness inspiration check out Linda's free, digital emagazine, Make Healthy A Lifestyle.
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