Marcella La Cioppa Doing sport, exercising and going to the gym are part of healthy habits for a healthy life, but according to recent research the equipment we find in the gym may have many more bacteria than we think.
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Repetitive use of gym machines by different people provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Even if most gyms provide disinfectant wipes, this may not be sufficient to fully protect against germs.
A recent study has identified that gym equipment is more bacterial than most surfaces encountered in daily life and has many health risks.
The study
Research conducted by FitRated showed that gym machines, including treadmills, exercise bikes, and free weights, contain over one million germs per square inch.
“Gym equipment is usually shared by a group of people. If not properly cleaned before and after use, bacterial growth can occur.”
Chelsea Freeburn, a member of FitRated‘s creative team, stated:
“We can compare that to lengthy handshakes of many grimy people, and it’s no wonder a standard treadmill is 74 times more bacterial than a public restroom faucet.”
Some of the bacteria that were found include gram-positive cocci, which cause infections of the skin, and gram-negative rods resistant to antibiotics. Free weights are said to carry 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, while treadmills carry 74 times more germs than an average public restroom faucet, says the study.
To reduce exposure to these germs, professionals recommend regular disinfection of gym equipment, proper hygiene in the vicinity of shared spaces, keeping the hands away from the face, and correct handwashing.
Source: FitRated
