Gyms have often had a reputation of having creepy germs like staph, MRSA or athlete’s foot running rampant. Hopefully the facility in which you have chosen to exercise has a sound routine for cleaning and sanitizing equipment and locker rooms. However, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and the cold and flu season will soon be upon us, so here are a few tips to avoid “picking anything up” at the gym:

 

• Wipe down your equipment before you get on it as well as after you exercise. Most gyms offer pre-moistened antibacterial wipes for members’ use. If they don’t, submit a suggestion to do so.
• Wear flip flops in the showers and locker rooms and dry your feet thoroughly before putting on your shoes and socks. While this is no guarantee, you will be much less likely to develop athlete’s foot.
• Shower as soon as you can after a workout (wearing your flip flops).
• Wash your hands like you mean it and avoid touching your face with your hands. Your hands should be washed with soap for at least 15 seconds, rinsed and dried well. It is believed many cold and flu viruses are introduced into our respiratory tract by our hands.
• Use hand sanitizer when you can’t get to a sink. If your gym doesn’t have hand sanitizer dispensers available, make a suggestion to get some.
• Keep your gym bag clean and dry, and wash your clothes after each workout.
• Don’t share soaps or cosmetics in the locker room.
• Buy your own yoga mat — remember people’s bare feet have been all over them.
• Use a metal water bottle rather than a plastic one, as plastic harbors more bacteria than metal, and wash it daily.

The exerciser does not have to depend solely on the fitness facility staff to create a clean and sanitized environment. When the clientele of a facility collectively prioritize maintaining a clean environment by cleaning up after themselves and the facility staff do their part in following recommended guidelines, a synergy is created which results in a fresh, safe place to get fit! (One that smells better too.)

As well as avoiding contact with disease-causing microorganisms, practice the basics of building a strong immune system in order to avoid contracting illness. Common sense health habits such as regular exercise, eating your fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep and managing your stress contribute — each in a different way — to boosting your immune system. Maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking are also thought to help. If you are sick, stay home from the gym as most people do not want to share your germs. If your symptoms are from the head up, such as a runny nose or headache, try walking outside instead of your normal workout. If your symptoms are below the neck, such as a cough or upset stomach, take the day off completely, a rest will do you good. Hope you remain healthy this season!

Judy Van Dorp, RN, is the director of the Vidant Wellness Center-Washington and can be reached at 252-975-4236.