HEALTH
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that's disgusting // BAD GYM ETIQUETTE dude. gross.
Photo by Amy Johnson
Be kind, wipe behind you. Gym equipment can be a great way to pick up bad germs. Experts say the warm environment and the fact that most gyms don't sanitize equipment after each use and gym-users tend not sanitize equipment themselves leads to cold and flu hotspots.
Going to the gym is good for you, right? Well, the unseen visitors at the gym can be harmful to our health if we're not careful — not cleaning gym equipment before and after use can spread harmful germs between users.
Darlene Henningen, nurse and radiologic technologist in Kansas City, Mo., says exercise equipment can be a hotspot for germs. Henninger says that with people sweating, coughing in their hands — and going to the bathroom without properly washing their hands then touching equipment, germs are easily spread throughout the gym.
These germs also multiply in gyms because of the warm environment from people exercising, Henninger says. Cold and flu season are on the way and Henninger says people need to start taking care of themselves, especially in high-traffic areas like a gym.
Since most gyms don't clean equipment each time a patron uses it, it's important to
do so yourself. Most gyms will have disinfecting spray and towels near equipment to use after your workout. If your gym doesn't have spray set out, ask someone who works there, or bring your own travel-size disinfecting spray. Spray equipment before use to prevent getting someone else's germs, and then after to keep things clean for the
// AMY JOHNSON
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