5 steps to better club hygiene

Nobody has ever accused gyms and clubs of being clean enough to eat off the floor. But that’s no excuse to let your guard down…

CLUB HYGIENE: Follow these rules to help you keep from catching-or spreading germs!!

To get the dirt on what goes on at clubs and gyms, the firm surveyed 2,000 people. The gym sins they discovered: 74 percent of people polled said they had noticed that their fellow gym-goers committed a gym faux pas, like failing to wipe down sweaty equipment; 49 percent admitted to having used water bottles, towels, and toiletries that weren’t actually theirs; 18 percent had gone to the gym despite being sick and coughing and sneezing; and 16 percent said they didn’t wash their gym clothes between workouts.

Tip 1 – Control Offensive Body Odor

Exercising makes you sweat and perspiration causes body odor. Additionally many gyms and clubs are crowded and you in many cases will be working out in close proximity and touching other members. Do everyone a favor and come to the club showered and wear effective deodorant. Smelling good is great however don’t take this to an extreme. You are not going out to a club, so do NOT douse yourself with cologne; overcompensation can be just as unpleasant for fellow members.

Tip 2 – Clean Your Gear

Dirty, dark, moist gym bags are great for fungi – they’ll grow just fine in the interior, There are several ways to avoid contaminating your gym bag: Put your dirty clothes in a plastic bag, take them out, and empty the plastic bag right into the washing machine.

Tip 3 – Buy a Better Bottle

Plastic water bottles tend to hold bacteria if you don’t clean them properly. The only ones you can be sure of are metal. To clean it properly, just wash it in hot, soapy water. Also, keep an eye on your bottle to make sure someone (like nearly half of the people in the survey!) doesn’t sneak a sip while you aren’t paying attention.

Tip 4 – Wipe, Wash, Repeat

Whether you decide to constantly wipe down the equipment, or cleanse your own hands, or a combination of the two, keeping your hands clean can help make sure gym germs don’t do any damage. “Keep your own little area organized and hygienic, and you’re going to be protected. After using each set of weights, bag, pads or gloves use the hand sanitizer and wipes that should be provided by your gym to keep germs at bay.

Tip 5 – Take a Rest Day

Don’t go to the gym if you have a really bad cold and you’re sneezing and your nose is running. Also, if you have open wounds, you might want to stay away from the club that day to avoid infection, or infecting anything you might touch while you’re training or sparring.