The gym is supposed to be a helpful place where you can go make yourself healthier. However, due to the warm and moist environment of a gym, microscopic pathogens such as bacteria and fungi can flourish. Therefore, you may want to consider wiping down equipment not only to clean off other people's sweat, but also to wipe away any harmful germs left behind.
First, you have probably heard of the importance of wearing shower shoes in the gym's bathroom and shower facilities. This is because the fungus that causes athlete's foot loves the dank atmosphere in the bathroom. However, these are not the only microorganisms that can attack you. Ringworm and jock itch are contagious fungi that are often present in the gym.
Because exercise specialists only tell people to avoid the gym if they have a high fever, people can come to workout while infected with other viruses such as stomach flu and colds. If someone wipes their nose with their hand then touches the equipment, the cold virus can quickly spread to other patrons. Therefore, when you are getting on a workout machine or picking up some weights, you should consider wiping them down with a sanitary towelette or other cleanser.
Lastly, there are also harmful bacteria lurking at the gym. One particularly dangerous microorganism is Staphylococcus. Commonly called staph, this bacteria can invade any open wound on your skin, such as a pimple or scrape. Staph causes a sore that typically contains pus and blood. While staph can often be treated with topical and oral antibiotics, this powerful bacteria can also spread to important areas of your body, making it more dangerous as well as more difficult to treat.
First, you have probably heard of the importance of wearing shower shoes in the gym's bathroom and shower facilities. This is because the fungus that causes athlete's foot loves the dank atmosphere in the bathroom. However, these are not the only microorganisms that can attack you. Ringworm and jock itch are contagious fungi that are often present in the gym.
Because exercise specialists only tell people to avoid the gym if they have a high fever, people can come to workout while infected with other viruses such as stomach flu and colds. If someone wipes their nose with their hand then touches the equipment, the cold virus can quickly spread to other patrons. Therefore, when you are getting on a workout machine or picking up some weights, you should consider wiping them down with a sanitary towelette or other cleanser.
Lastly, there are also harmful bacteria lurking at the gym. One particularly dangerous microorganism is Staphylococcus. Commonly called staph, this bacteria can invade any open wound on your skin, such as a pimple or scrape. Staph causes a sore that typically contains pus and blood. While staph can often be treated with topical and oral antibiotics, this powerful bacteria can also spread to important areas of your body, making it more dangerous as well as more difficult to treat.
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