Although gym managers are supposed to clean exercise equipment on a regular basis, this equipment should ideally be sanitised after every user as germs can persist in an infectable state on plastic, steel and other polymer hard surfaces for hours to weeks – and even months.
The most common disease-causing bacteria found in gym germ profiling studies were those that cause skin infections – such as Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria which can cause MRSA.
Never walk barefoot in a gym either to avoid the germs living on gym or shower room floors.
But many other parts of the gym are also riddled with germs – including on the equipment you might use every time you go.
Disease-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses have been found everywhere – from gym floors and door handles, weights and barbells, cardio machines, bicycle and treadmill handlebars, benches, chairs and exercise mats.
