How to Tell if Your Gym is Clean: 5 Tips from a Sports Medicine Expert

Many of us hit the gym to stay in shape or improve our health. Melanie McNeal, a physical and occupational therapy manager at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, shares important tips to keep yourself and others healthy at the gym.

Start Hygiene at Home

Good gym hygiene begins before you even leave the house. Always wear clean clothes to the gym. Dirty clothes harbor sweat and bacteria, which can spread germs.

Check Equipment Before Use

Before using any gym equipment, do a quick spot check. If you see wetness or residue from cleaning solutions, let it dry first. It takes about two minutes for these solutions to kill bacteria. Avoid using equipment immediately after it’s been cleaned to ensure all germs are killed.

Clean Equipment Properly

When you finish using gym equipment, don’t spray cleaning solution directly onto it. Excess moisture can damage the equipment. Instead, use a sanitizing wipe or a napkin moistened with the solution to clean any areas your skin has touched.

Protect Your Feet in the Shower

If you shower at the gym, wear flip-flops to protect your feet. Gym showers can be breeding grounds for mold, fungi, and bacteria. Flip-flops create a barrier and help prevent infections.

Look for Hygiene Red Flags

To ensure your gym prioritizes cleanliness, watch for these red flags:

1. Lack of Sanitary Wipes: If there are no wipes available for members to clean equipment, it often means the equipment is not being properly sanitized.
2. No Cleaning Signs: An absence of signs directing members to clean equipment after use suggests cleanliness is not a priority.
3. Members Not Cleaning Equipment: If members aren’t cleaning equipment after use, it indicates a lack of a cleanliness culture.
4. Dusty Equipment: Dust on machines is a sure sign the gym neglects cleanliness.
5. Broken Equipment: Machines that are broken and not repaired promptly suggest management isn’t committed to maintaining a clean and functional gym.

Take Precautions and Set Standards

No matter the season, always take precautions and set high standards for yourself and the gym. Expect a clean gym and report any concerns to management. Ask about the cleaning schedule and always clean up after yourself. Leave equipment as clean as you’d want to find it.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a healthy and clean workout environment for everyone.

Sources:

• Fox News Digital interview with Melanie McNeal
• Baylor College of Medicine