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Tips to Staying Germ-Free at the Gym

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on July 4, 2024.

By Robin Foster HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, July 4, 2024 -- Going to the gym is good for your overall health, but if you and the gym aren't practicing good hygiene you could still catch a nasty illness, an expert says.

“Good hygiene prevents sicknesses like a cold, influenza and even salmonella, but cleanliness can also indicate that a gym is well-maintained overall, including the quality of equipment,” said Melanie McNeal, a physical and occupational therapy manager at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “If hygiene rules are not followed you could get sick, get others sick or even have your membership cancelled.”

When going to a new gym for the first time, there are a few key indicators to determine if hygiene is prioritized in the space:

To do your part in practicing good gym hygiene, there are several things you can do.

“Expect a clean gym and report concerns to management if you have any,” McNeal said in a Baylor news release. “You should feel free to ask management about the cleaning schedule and always clean up after yourself. Leave equipment as you would want to find it when you walk up to it."

Sources

  • Baylor College of Medicine, June 13, 2024

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

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