Buzz
While hitting the gym is essential for both your physical and mental well-being, it’s crucial to recognize that gyms can be breeding grounds for harmful microbes that threaten your overall health and fitness.
In the humid, enclosed atmosphere, millions of bacteria and dangerous viruses cling to weights, yoga mats, and exercise machines. That sweaty imprint left on the thigh master is more hazardous than it appears.
These harmful viruses can infiltrate your body deeply, potentially causing severe and damaging effects. And if you encounter a filthy gym, your likelihood of carrying these germs home increases significantly.
Let’s take a grim look at the top 10 diseases you might pick up from a poorly maintained gym.
10. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embed/i4wCXOwAdU8?feature=oembed
Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as Pink Eye, is the inflammation or irritation of the membrane that lines both the inner and outer eyelids (the conjunctiva). This irritation causes the whites of your eyes to appear pink or red.
The main symptoms of Pink Eye include itchiness, a gritty sensation in the eyes, redness and discomfort, along with discharge or tearing that forms a crust during the night. Anything that creates a ‘crust’ that’s not food is unpleasant. This crust can make it hard to open your eyes in the morning.
Although irritating, this infection rarely impacts vision. However, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention before it worsens. If you wear contact lenses, discontinue use immediately at the first sign of symptoms, as they can trap bacteria and worsen the irritation.
The takeaway? Avoid touching your eyes after handling gym equipment! And make sure to wash your hands.
9. Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embed/y-X_fWIGBZQ?feature=oembed
Ringworm, despite its name, is a fungal infection that creates a scaly, circular patch with red bumps along the edges. It can appear anywhere on the body. While it’s not caused by a worm, this infection flourishes in moist environments. You can catch it from shared dirty towels, skin-to-skin contact, wet gym shower floors, or any other contaminated common surfaces.
Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread quickly, often before symptoms even appear. It commonly affects areas like the thighs, chest, buttocks, and back.
The rash can appear anywhere on your skin.
The main symptoms include itching at the affected site and small circular bumps. If ringworm is left untreated early on, it can spread to other parts of your body.
To prevent the infection, wash with anti-fungal shampoo after every gym session. And of course, never share gym towels. That’s just gross.
8. Athlete's Foot
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embed/tCksWa8j-IM?feature=oembed
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that typically affects the feet and groin area. Yes, you read that right, groin.
This fungus causes a red, itchy rash that can lead to peeling or blisters. Athlete's foot is often contracted through skin-to-skin contact, pools, or wet gym floors, making gyms prime locations for such infections. The first noticeable sign of athlete's foot is often dry, cracked skin between the toes.
That’s why it’s recommended to wear shower sandals if you plan on using the gym locker room or showers.
Though fungi are everywhere, the gym is a common place to pick up fungal infections, especially when walking barefoot. Gym-goers should avoid wearing sweaty shoes and repeating socks day after day. Honestly, sweaty shoes would be uncomfortable anyway, like a gym version of trench foot. These are prime environments for fungi to thrive.
7. Folliculitis/Hot Tub Rash
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embed/5zH6KoQ__bI?feature=oembed
Folliculitis is a common condition that results from inflamed hair follicles on the skin. This leads to the formation of acne or itchy, red bumps around the affected follicles. It’s caused by staph bacteria, fungi, or clogged sweat ducts.
You can easily pick up the bacteria or fungus at the gym by sharing towels, using dirty equipment, or using poorly chlorinated hot tubs and swimming pools.
Sometimes, you can even be your own worst enemy when it comes to folliculitis. Your sweat, combined with the pressure from tight clothing, can clog hair follicles and make you more prone to this infection.
So, be sure to rinse off after every workout and always wipe down your sweaty gym equipment. We may share a lot of things, but—let’s face it—nobody wants your butt sweat on their equipment!
6. Plantar Warts/HPV
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embed/o-TEGAmWtj8?feature=oembed
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and typically appear on the soles of the feet. These warts are rough and bumpy with thickened skin, often showing tiny black or red dots. They usually form in clusters that are tender to the touch. Gyms are a common place to pick up plantar warts by walking barefoot, particularly in damp spots or by using contaminated equipment.
Can we get some applause for wiping down those machines? Seriously, folks, clean them up!
Although many might not notice them immediately, some strains of HPV can lead to cervical cancer or genital warts. Plantar warts can be uncomfortable, and medical care is often necessary. For gym-goers, prevention is much better than dealing with the consequences.
5. Herpes
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embed/IOUnXeqNyMs?feature=oembed
Though herpes is not typically contracted at the gym, it is still possible. This virus can lead to genital warts or cold sores. Herpes usually enters the body through open cuts or wounds, causing blisters on the mouth, and sometimes comes with cold or flu-like symptoms.
While it’s mostly known as a sexually transmitted infection, herpes can also spread through sharing saliva with someone infected with oral herpes, or by using shared items like utensils, razors, or towels.
So, perhaps avoid gnawing on gym equipment handles, just to be safe.
Another form of herpes, known as herpes simplex or HSV-1, is often referred to as mat herpes. This type is particularly common among athletes who engage in contact sports like wrestling and boxing. Fortunately, it is very unlikely to catch it from surfaces like gym equipment or the floor.
4. Common Cold and Flu
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embed/BGTsyYQq0xs?feature=oembed
Cold and flu, along with other respiratory infections, are among the easiest to spread, particularly when people cough or sneeze without consideration in confined spaces. These illnesses, while often mild, can evolve into more serious conditions if left untreated.
Cold symptoms include sweating, fever, chills, sore throat, coughing, headache, congestion, fatigue, and general weakness. Sometimes, the flu is mistaken for a cold, but unlike a cold, the flu usually brings along a fever.
While the cold and flu spread easily, prevention is equally simple. Cover your coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands if you use them. Otherwise, you'll transfer germs to dumbbells, mats, railings, and machines, along with other equipment used during your workout.
In the same vein, refrain from touching your eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands. Gym instructors should encourage clients to skip sessions if they're feeling unwell or have any signs of infection.
3. Coronavirus
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embed/U8r3oTVMtQ0?feature=oembed
Coronavirus (COVID-19), a highly contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has impacted the world since 2019. COVID-19 spreads through tiny droplets from an infected person’s mouth or nose when they sneeze, cough, speak, or even breathe. It can also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces, workout machines, or equipment, and then touching your face, eyes, or mouth.
Common signs of COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, and a dry cough. Less frequent symptoms can involve sore throat, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, headaches, and a rash. In some instances, individuals infected with COVID-19 may only show mild symptoms and recover quickly.
To prevent transmission, measures such as sanitation, maintaining a safe distance, wearing masks, and practicing good hygiene are crucial.
For highly contagious diseases like Coronavirus, ensure the gym you're attending is clean. Look for sanitizing sprays and wipes, and always do your part by wiping down the equipment after use. Don’t be that person.
2. Staph
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embed/28xfEU2RwKs?feature=oembed
Around one-third of people carry some form of staphylococcus on their skin without experiencing any symptoms. However, once it enters the body, the situation changes dramatically.
Typically, a staph infection appears as a red bump or a pus-filled spot on the skin. It can become warm to the touch and swell, turning into boils. The likelihood of contracting a staph infection increases if you have open cuts, scratches, or sores, or if you share personal items like towels, or exercise on dirty mats or floors—which, of course, should be avoided.
You may also develop a fever as the infection spreads within your skin, potentially leading to serious complications like pericarditis, pneumonia, or meningitis. It can escalate quite fast.
If left untreated, a staph infection can evolve into methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is especially dangerous if it enters the bloodstream. Although it mostly spreads through skin-to-skin contact rather than from surfaces to people.
To prevent the spread of staph infections, maintaining distance, avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact, and practicing good hygiene are essential.
1. Impetigo
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embed/sfOemMpokdA?feature=oembed
Impetigo is another highly contagious condition caused by either staph or streptococcus bacteria. These bacteria lead to open sores that may ooze and crust over. Yes, we're back to the crust.
While these bacteria are present on many people's skin without causing harm, an open cut can provide a gateway for them to invade and cause illness. Impetigo commonly affects young children, particularly those aged 2 to 5 years old.
Adults are also at risk, especially through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone infected. At the gym, you can contract this infection by touching contaminated equipment, floors, or sinks, and also from sharing items like towels and mats.
Although gym owners are responsible for ensuring that common areas, equipment, and tools are regularly cleaned, it is equally important for individuals to take personal responsibility for their own safety during workouts.
