Protect Yourself from Germs at the Gym

The winter months are here, and so are the sore throats, coughs and nasal congestion that go along with the cold and flu season.

Here's a few tips to prevent colds and flu at the gym:

1. Wash your hands frequently. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from germs at the gym is to wash your hands frequently. Washing your hands with soap and water reduces the risk of transmission of viruses and bacteria. Wash them before and after your workouts, and after using fitness equipment. Avoid touching your face until you have washed your hands.
2. Use a clean towels and mat. Bring your own Towel and Mat from home or get a fresh one from the Front Desk each time you come to gym. Place your towel down on any machine you're going to sit or lie down on.
3. Get out of your sweaty clothes. Once you're done with your workout, you should change as soon as possible. Your sweaty clothes are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If you don't have time for a shower, at least wash your hands.
4. Clean the gym equipment before and after use. We have spray bottles with cleaning solution and paper towels available. Don't assume that the person who used the machine before you cleaned it. Wipe the machine down before you use it and clean it again when you're finished. Clean the handles, key pads, and tension adjusters -- any place the person before you may have touched.
5. Keep your feet covered. Wear flip flops or water shoes when walking around the locker room or pool area to avoid picking up germs or fungus that can cause athlete's foot and other issues.
6. Keep your gym bag clean. To prevent germs from growing in your gym bag, remove your sweaty clothes, running shoes, and towels from your bag when you get home from the gym.
7. Stay home if you're sick. Do you want to catch a cold from a sick person at the gym? Of course not. And other people wouldn't want to pick up your sick germs either. If you have a cold, give yourself a chance to rest and recover and return to the gym when you are feeling better.

Source: Christine Luff, www.about.com