Gyms are some of the most common public places frequented by workout enthusiasts. The gym environment is highly prone to unhealthy practices such as sweating, dirty attire, and filthy air; all of which contribute to making a gym a potential health hazard. To prevent hygiene hazards in a gym, some standard procedures and practices should be upheld by both the gym users and the gym managers.

Here are some of the pertinent gym hygiene tips, suggested by Elevate Training Centre, to be followed by both users and managers.

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Gym hygiene tips for users

Washing of gym clothes

When working out in a gym, the highly absorbent gym clothes get sweaty. To prevent bad odour, the clothes should be washed the same day. It is advisable to rely on commercial washing machines which are generally more effective in doing a thorough job. Any other gym attire such as shoes should also be wiped clean and stored in a well-aerated area for them to dry up. One should also take a bath and wear clean sets of attire after every gym session.

Use your own mat for floor-based exercises

Floor-based exercises should not be done on mats which are shared by everybody. It is highly recommendable to bring your own floor mat for your exercises. This prevents exposure to other person’s sweat and germs, a transfer that is normally mediated when sharing mats.

Bring your own towel

Bacteria normally thrive in dumpy environments such as in wet or damp clothes like towels. When visiting the sauna and steam rooms, it is advisable to bring and use your own towel which you should not keep in contact with other towels to avoid cross-contamination.

Avoid touching your face

The face is one of the most sensitive parts of the body, mainly because of the eyes, nose, and mouth which could act as points of the entrance of bacterial infections. When working out, your hands can get sweaty and cross-contaminated by sharing the gym equipment. Touching your face with the hands could transfer the germs to your eyes and nose leading to infections.

Use appropriate water bottles

Water bottles are a necessity. Plastic water bottles tend to incubate and hold bacteria. It is important to buy a metallic water bottle which is less prone to holding bacteria. The bottle should also be washed and disinfected with hot water more often.

Gym hygiene tips for gym owners

Set a hygiene standard

It is the responsibility of the gym owner or manager to set a basic hygiene standard. These standards can be set by having gym hygiene rules which should be written and displayed on the notice boards for all users to see. While going for gym or bowling, one must carry bowling towels for healthy and hygienic daily workout.

Clean gym equipment

Shared gym equipment is one of the common avenues of contamination. It is highly recommendable to have the equipment cleaned on a daily basis. The metallic and plastic equipment should be wiped clean using alcohol-based solutions.

Washing linen periodically

Gym equipment that is cloth-based such as towels, curtains and floor mats should be washed on a daily basis or after use. To ensure a thorough and effective wash, commercial washing machines should be used. When looking for one such a machine, it is advisable to choose a reliable washer brand such as Maytag as it is durable and offers value for money.

Clean gym closets

Gym closets when users’ personal items such as shows are temporarily stored can be a potential health hazard. Shoes bring in dirt from outside which can be incubated and lead to mould, fungi and bacterial infestation.

Inspect gym resource users to prevent potential hazards

Gym users often get injured in the course of their workout. Injuries which lead to the shedding of drops of blood could contaminate the floor and gym equipment. Users with an open wound should also not be allowed in places such as Jacuzzi and water pools as they could contaminate water and get contaminated.

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