Stay Safe Against Gym Germs
Health & Fitness|October 2015
We all know the gym is good for us but it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses that cause colds and infections, too. Here's how to stay safe!
Sarah Ivory
Stay Safe Against Gym Germs

There's no doubt that exercising is goo for your health. But, according to a wealth of scientific data, hitting the gym could expose your body to all sorts of nasty germs as well. And the most dangerous time is during the winter, when germs are rife. In fact, research in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine found rhinoviruses – an infection linked to the common cold – on 63 per cent of gym kit, including free weights and aerobic equipment. It doesn’t matter that your chosen dumbbell hasn’t been touched for hours – experts report that cold and ’flu viruses can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Worse still, harmful bacteria such as the norovirus, that causes vomiting; or staphylococcus bacteria, which is linked to skin infections, can linger even longer. We've asked the experts to expose the gym’s germ hot spots and reveal how to protect your body from the nasties.

DANGER ZONE!

MAT AREA

It’s where you stretch after you’ve worked up a sweat, so it’s no wonder that exercise mats harbour a host of germs. ‘A third of the population carry staphylococcus aureus [a bacteria linked to skin infections] on our skin,’ reveals leading hygiene expert Dr Lisa Ackerley.

‘Mostly this is fine but, to protect yourself and others, cover cuts with a waterproof dressing.’ Mats can also be a hot spot for microbes linked to athlete’s foot, colds and ’flu infections.

Denne historien er fra October 2015-utgaven av Health & Fitness.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 2015-utgaven av Health & Fitness.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA HEALTH & FITNESSSe alt
Is It Ok To Skip The Gym Tonight
Health & Fitness

Is It Ok To Skip The Gym Tonight

Too busy, tired or stressed to work out? Stop feeling guilty, sometimes it’s ok to skip a session. Here’s why...

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 243
How To Turn Your Home Into A Smart Gym
Health & Fitness

How To Turn Your Home Into A Smart Gym

Don’t want to schlep to the gym to get your exercise RDA? The latest breed of connected machines will bring studio workouts to you

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 243
Ski, Hike, Bike
Health & Fitness

Ski, Hike, Bike

H&F writer Sheila Reid gets active in Val d’Isère on a luxury snow adventure

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 243
We're Talking To… Vick Hope
Health & Fitness

We're Talking To… Vick Hope

The TV presenter and Capital FM DJ talks about what makes her feel truly alive

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

You Have Got Time T0 Run

Is the festive season taking a toll on your training? Follow these tips to squeeze in your workouts, no matter how busy you are

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 243
Soothe Xmas Stress
Health & Fitness

Soothe Xmas Stress

Feeling far from festive? Follow this four-step plan to find support

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

Rest & Restore

It’s the most stressful – sorry, wonderful – time of the year. So now more than ever, it’s important to take time out to relax and rejuvenate. Luckily, there’s a whole host of new ways to do just that...

time-read
6 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

Me And My Workout Buddy

The winter months can really zap your exercise motivation, but these three women have a workout pal who inspires them to stay fit all year-round

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

I'm Building A Fitness Empire!

From reality star to sportswear designer, Gabby Allen is on a mission to help you look and feel fab

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

Get Connected

Don’t want to schlep to the gym to get your exercise RDA? The latest breed of connected machines will bring studio workouts to you

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 243