Going to the gym is crucial for both your mental and physical well-being. However, gyms can also be breeding grounds for nasty microbes that can negatively impact your health. Yuck! Millions of bacteria and viruses thrive on weights, yoga mats, and machines, lurking in moist, enclosed environments. That sweaty butt print on the thigh master is more insidious than you think.
These viruses can sometimes travel as far and deep as your bones, leading to unpleasant outcomes. If you happen upon a dirty gym, your chances of taking some of these viruses home with you increase. Let’s take a not-so-fun look at the top 10 diseases you can get from a dirty gym.
1. Pink Eye
Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye is an inflammation or irritation of the inner and outer eyelid membrane (conjunctiva). This inflammation causes the whites of your eyes to turn pink or reddish. The main symptoms include itchiness, a gritty feeling, redness, and discharge that forms a crust overnight. This “crust” can even prevent your eye from opening after a night’s sleep.
While highly irritating, pink eye rarely affects vision. Seek medical care if the condition worsens. If you wear contact lenses, stop using them immediately, as they can trap bacteria and cause more irritation. The main takeaway? Don’t touch your eyes after using gym equipment! And always wash your hands.
2. Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal infection characterized by a scaly, ring-shaped rash with red bumps along the edges. It thrives in damp environments and spreads through shared dirty towels, skin contact, and wet gym shower floors. Ringworm is highly transmissible, often before symptoms even appear. Common areas affected include the thighs, chest, buttocks, and back.
Key symptoms include itchiness in the affected area and small, circular bumps. If left untreated, ringworm can spread. To prevent it, use anti-fungal shampoo after each gym session and avoid sharing towels. It’s just gross!
3. Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the groin area and feet, causing a red and itchy rash that may lead to peeling or blistering. It commonly results from skin-to-skin contact, pools, or wet gym floors, making gyms a hotbed for the infection. The first sign is often parched and cracked skin between the toes.
Always wear shower sandals in the locker room. Fungi are everywhere, and walking barefoot increases your risk. Avoid wearing sweaty shoes and the same socks daily, as these create ideal breeding grounds for fungi.
4. Folliculitis/Hot Tub Rash
Folliculitis is a common condition involving inflamed hair follicles, resulting in acne or itchy red bumps. It’s caused by staph, fungi, or clogged sweat ducts. You can pick up the bacteria or fungus at the gym by sharing towels, using dirty equipment, or in poorly chlorinated hot tubs and swimming pools.
You can also be your own enemy, as sweat can clog hair follicles, especially under tight-fitting clothes. So, rinse off after workouts and wipe down equipment. Nobody wants your sweat!
5. Plantar Warts/HPV
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), affecting the soles of the feet. They appear as bumpy, rough patches of thick skin with tiny black or red dots. Often, they form tender clusters on the feet or hands. You can contract plantar warts by walking barefoot in damp areas or using contaminated equipment.
Again, wipe down your machines! Some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer and genital warts, so prevention is crucial.
6. Herpes
While less common, herpes can still be contracted at the gym, resulting in genital warts or cold sores. The virus enters the body through open cuts or wounds, causing blisters on the mouth. It can also be accompanied by cold and flu-like symptoms.
Herpes is primarily a sexually transmitted infection but can spread through saliva, shared utensils, razors, or towels. So, don’t gnaw on gym equipment handles! Another type, herpes simplex or HSV-1, is common among athletes in contact sports but is unlikely to be picked up from gym surfaces.
7. Common Cold and Flu
Colds, the flu, and other respiratory infections are easily spread, especially when people cough and sneeze without covering up. These illnesses can develop into serious infections if untreated. Cold symptoms include sweating, fever, sore throat, cough, headache, congestion, fatigue, and weakness. Flu adds a fever to the mix.
Prevention is simple: cover coughs and sneezes. If you use your hands, wash them to prevent spreading germs to equipment. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. Gym instructors should advise clients to skip sessions if they feel unwell.
8. Impetigo
Impetigo is a highly infectious disease caused by staph or streptococcus bacteria, resulting in oozing and crusting wounds. These bacteria live on the skin but become harmful when entering the body through open cuts. Adults can contract it through skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated surfaces like machines, floors, or shared items like towels and mats.
Gym owners should sanitize common areas, but it’s also your responsibility to stay safe by practicing good hygiene during workouts.
9. Staph
About one-third of people carry staphylococcus on their skin without symptoms, but it becomes problematic once it enters the body. A staph infection often looks like a red bump or pus on the skin, growing warm, swelling, and causing boils. Risks increase with open cuts, scratches, or sharing personal items and equipment.
Fever may occur as the infection spreads, potentially leading to pericarditis, pneumonia, and meningitis. Untreated staph can develop into methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is dangerous if it enters the bloodstream. Prevention includes avoiding skin-to-skin contact and practicing proper hygiene.
10. Coronavirus
Coronavirus (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is highly transmittable through liquid particles from sneezes, speech, coughs, or breath. You can also get it by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face. Common symptoms include fever, tiredness, and dry cough, as well as sore throat, loss of smell and taste, diarrhea, headache, and rash.
Sanitation, safe distancing, masking, and general hygiene can prevent transmission. Ensure you’re attending a spotless gym with readily available sanitizing supplies, and always wipe down equipment.
Staying informed and taking precautions is key to staying healthy while pursuing your fitness goals. Don’t let the fear of germs keep you from the gym, just be smart about it!
What are your biggest concerns about gym hygiene? Leave your comment below!
