Look, nobody likes getting sick. It sucks pure and simple. Most of us spend more than our share of time in the gym. What a breeding ground for germs. You can find some of the worst in most gyms. How much time do we spend going from machine to machine and wiping up after ourselves and cleaning up after others? Sure they have the spray bottles, or the sanitizing wipes hanging on the wall, but spend some time one day during your workout and look see who actually cleans the equipment when their done. How well do you wipe down your equipment when done. How many people do you see hacking and coughing in the gym and why if you’re sick are you even there? I don’t want your fucking disease ok, so go home!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bacteria called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was recently found in recreational athletes. Although, MRSA is a version of the common staph bacteria, it is resistant to the methicillin antibiotic, which makes it especially hard to treat. While “normal” staphylococcus aureus is a microbial skin infection easily treated with antibiotics, MRSA is more difficult to treat and can infect the blood and bones–a potentially life threatening complication. MRSA’s antibiotic resistance also makes it more likely to spread, since the normal course of treatment does not eliminate it and the infected person remains a carrier. The CDC cites close physical contact and equipment sharing as reasons for outbreaks. Researchers have also found E. coli, strep-bacteria and the influenza virus in gyms and on athletic equipment.
Listen folks, this isn’t good news OK. I have actually seen, and this is the most gross thing I can think off in gym that will make me come up and call you out, and that is to pick your goddamn face in the mirror and go over to a piece of equipment and use it without washing your hands. I have went up to people and told them to go that somewhere else and pick their face and oh BTW, don’t be going over to a piece of equipment that I will be using without washing your hands.. Most are pretty cool about it. But WTF??? Who does that? Assholes and idiots, that’s who. A gym can be the worst place to be to catch an illness if you’re not as careful about cleaning as you are about your form while hitting the weights.
The easiest way to protect yourself is by wiping equipment before use. Gyms usually provide disinfectant spray, but some people prefer to carry their own wipes. Always use a towel to cover the seat of your exercise bike and bench in the locker room. I always carry two towels. One for the equipment where I sit or my head rests against and one I use to wipe my face. By the way I don’t want your oily fucking hair grease on my head, so clean that up while you’re at it. When you’re done with your workout.
To prevent spreading disease to others, avoid exercising at the gym when you’re sick. Why is this so hard for people to understand? Are you so self centered that you can’t take a minute and think about other people? Although conventional wisdom says you can work out if your symptoms are above the neck, keep in mind you may expose others. Consider exercising at home when you’re sick and avoid having your own germs passed back when your workout partner comes to the gym sick with the cold you gave him or her. Just use common sense, ya know.
Awhile ago Newsweek published a list if the six highest ranked gym hazards and how to protect yourself;
Cover any breaks in the skin. Normal, unbroken skin can’t be invaded. But when a skin break—even one as minor as a small scratch or the raw skin characteristic of psoriasis— comes in contact with an infected surface, MRSA and other bacteria can worm their way in. The earliest danger signs: pimple like red bumps or boils. To protect yourself, put a band-aid on any cuts, abrasions or blisters. And don’t shave immediately before a workout to avoid being in the locker room with cuts and scratches.
Don’t go barefoot. Along with the human traffic and the absence of sunlight in locker rooms, the heat in showers, saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms all conspire to create a perfect growing environment for germs. Wear flip-flops or water shoes to avoid athlete’s foot, a fungus condition that usually starts with itchy scales and blisters between the toes (a blister counts as a skin break, another reason to protect your feet from the floor). Shoes will also keep you from slipping on wet tiles.
Use disinfectant. Clean exercise equipment before and after you use it, with paper towels and disinfectant or with disposable wipes. Bring your own if you can.
Change your towels and clothes. If you can, use a fresh towel provided by the club on each visit. If you’ll be bringing your own, be sure to bring a new one daily. A damp towel left in a locker or gym bag is a germ magnet. Besides, chances are your towel has hit the floor at some point. The same goes for socks and gym clothes. Wearing the same sweaty items over and over isn’t just smelly, it’s unhealthy. Wash everything in hot water and use the full dryer cycle.
Don’t share. When it comes to goggles, sweatbands, razors, and towels, neither a borrower nor a lender be. Don’t ever share soap—use liquid soap rather than a communal bar. (Goes without saying really. Gross. WW)
Keep your towel on. It’s best not to stride around in the buff (unless ur a good looking chick. WW). “Use your towel as a barrier between your skin and any shared surface, including benches. Remember that even a tiny break in the skin could let in an infection.
This whole issue of cleanliness comes down to common sense and more importantly, respect for your brothers in the gym. Most of us don’t have home gyms.
So there you have it. Keep it clean guys and gals. Im working on how to avoid shaking hands, and when I do Ill let you know the plan. OK, Westwood out and stay clean and healthy
Two guys at the gym had MRSA a few months back, they were considerate enough to not come in until the doctor cleared them, but even after that they didnt wipe down the shit they used!
Its really about not being selfish. Thats what it comes down to. Going to work, to the gym wherever, is disrepectfull when your sick. We cant stop those idiots but we can take matters into our own hands by making sure we clean the equipment before and after use.
WW