The hidden bacteria in your gym equipment

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

The article draws upon studies published and recommendations from international institutions and/or experts. We do not make claims in the medical-scientific field and report the facts as they are. Sources are indicated at the end of each article.

Spending time in nature may boost your immune system, study finds

Rebecca Manzi

Posted on 28/02/2025

Walking among the trees strengthens our immune system: it can increase the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells that fight viruses and tumor cells

@Kamaji Ogino/Pexels

Walking through woods, breathing in fresh forest air, and listening to birdsong is not just a treat for the senses—maybe it even makes us healthy. A study in Taiwan found that living or visiting a forest environment can increase the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells, cells that are part of fighting viruses and cancerous cells.

Researchers examined two groups of people: one consisted of 90 forest workers who spent most of their time in the midst of nature, and the other consisted of 110 city office workers living and working in Taipei, a city. What did they discover? People exposed to greenery on a daily basis had a significantly higher percentage of NK cells in their blood compared to city dwellers.

After five days in the wilderness, nk cell numbers nearly doubled

But it doesn’t stop there. To see just how the forest can influence the immune system, researchers took a small group of volunteers to spend five days in the foliage of Xitou, a forested area in Taiwan. Afterward, their activated NK cell numbers had nearly doubled, and the impact lasted for a few days even after departure from the city.

The exact processes involved in this immunity boost are not yet understood, but scientists suggest that forest air might be a top contender. Phytoncides, volatile compounds, are released by trees and might trigger our immune system. Being outdoors also triggers relaxation and stress reduction, which might also help to enhance our body’s defenses.

While more research will be needed, this study reiterates what we’ve long believed: that getting outside is good for us. Not only does it soothe and improve our mood but it can even build up our immune system.

So the next time you can use a little recharge, give skipping a city weekend a shot and go to a forest or nature park for a trip. It might just be what your body needs!

Source: Oncotarget