Tips to stay safe in the Gym

[madeupgirl]

You go to the Gym to get healthier, right? Yet it could be far from being a place to get your body into tip-top shape, the Gym can be a massive breeding ground for illness ranging from colds and viruses to even bug infections....

How to stay safe...

1. Wash yourhands thoroughly before and after exercise.

2. Wipe down machines, preferably with disinfectant wipes before and after
use. Aside fom helping keep bugs at bay, it's good Gym etiquette to make sure you don't leave a pool of sweat behind you.

3. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes or face while using equipment - this is how most viruses are transmitted.

4. Use your own clean towel to wipe away your sweat, rather than your hands.

5. Wear flip-flops when walking in the shower or sauna to avoid catching athlete's foot

6. Sit on a towel or wear shorts in the sauna to avoid direct contact with seating, which may contain fungi.

7. Give the Gym a miss if you think you have early cold or flu symptoms.

(Source: Ahlan Magazine - July 20-26, 2006 ed.)

[Judi]

Great tips Makeupgirl.
I will just add to number 5 about wearing flip flops in to avoid getting planters warts. They are nasty and hard to get rid or, that is why you should always wear sock when trying on shoes.

[blackbird668]

Great tips!

The Curves center where I work out has a huge pump bottle of instant hand sanitizer at the front desk. There's a sign on it that says to clean your hands with it before getting on the machines to help reduce the spread of germs. I think this is an excellent idea. If you go to a gym (of any kind) and they don't offer this, suggest it to the manager. If they don't agree to provide a large bottle for everyone to use, at least carry your own small bottle in your gym bag for your own use.

[madeupgirl]

I agree Judi....and good idea Blackbird...

[Rainbowbliss]

i do all that wen im at the gym, theres a sign that says ya haveto bring ya own towel for higinge reasons n i clean b4 i use the equtment,