Diet & Fitness

Being a gym rat is a good thing -- as long as you don’t bring lots of scary germs home with you! Articles about exercise health and fighting germs at the gym do show up in the news from time to time, but don’t let that frighten you away from this otherwise healthy environment. In order to keep a positive mindset about going to your fitness center, you can always supplement that workout with a few basic exercises in cleanliness.

According to a study published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, rhinoviruses (a germ that often promotes the common cold) were found on at least 63 percent of the gym equipment in randomly tested exercise health facilities. Evidently, the weight equipment was found to be contaminated more frequently than the aerobic exercise machines.

"There are lots of germs at the gym, but don't use that as another excuse for not going," says eDiets Nutrition Specialist Renee Brunetti LD/N. In addition to her work as a dietitian, Renee is a fitness instructor and a certified personal trainer.

Renee says there are some simple things you can do that go a long way towards protecting your health. First of all, it is a good idea to wipe down any equipment before and after use. If your gym doesn't provide disinfectant, Renee says you can carry some wipes in your gym bag. She also recommends packing some hand sanitizer.

"Be careful about touching your face between sets," Renee warns. "This is a common way in which people spread germs without thinking about it."

Along with the wipes and hand sanitizer, bring a clean towel and water bottle with you to the gym. But, be sure that they are clean. If you use the same water bottle all of the time, be sure to wash it out periodically with soap and hot water. And put your towel in the washing machine when you get home from the gym.

"Before and after you exercise, also be sure to wash your hands carefully," Renee says.

You are most susceptible to germs when your resistances are low. For this reason, Renee recommends not over-exerting yourself when you don't feel at your best.

"If you are feeling a little run down, you may still want to keep in the discipline of going to the gym and doing your workout," Renee says. "Just don't push yourself too hard until you are feeling better."

By using these simple exercise health tips, you can keep up with your workouts and still keep the germs at bay.

Do you have any other techniques you use for fighting "germ warfare" at your local gym? Let us know by posting a comment below.

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Labels: exercise, health