Your fitness club has a dirty secret: germs! The sweaty close quarters, shared machines, and humid locker rooms make gyms a hotspot for pathogens causing cold, flu and skin infections. But fear not! Before you burn your membership card and buy yourself a containment suit, rest assured these germs are easily avoided. In fact, regular exercise boosts your immune system. Beware of these top four germ hotspots and tips to protect yourself to ensure that stronger arms and abs is the only thing you pick up at the gym.

1. Free weights/machines

One of the most used objects in the gym and home to a rife of bacteria leading to colds and other bugs

Protect yourself by disinfecting equipment before and after use, avoid touching your face until you wash your hands and cover up any open cuts or abrasions.

2. Exercise mat

Before you strike your next yoga pose, think you could be lying in a bed of Staphylococcus aureus. Folliculitis is caught from sharing sweaty mats and manifests as acne. Bring your own mat or prevent direct contact by placing a towel between you and the mat to protect yourself from these nasty skin infections.

3. Locker rooms and showers

The sweaty, humid locker room and showers are a paradise bugs such as staph, strep, and MRSA. Fecal matter (eeew!) and other outdoor debris can be tracked in on shoes, so avoid walking barefoot to stay protected from fungi and organisms that can cause infections, like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and warts. Shower as soon as you’re home or if you shower at the gym, use antimicrobial soap.

And you know that one girl in the locker room that proudly struts her stuff? Yeah, don’t be so impressed by her unabashed bravery. Before you sit on the bench naked, consider the possibility of contracting yeast and other infections down below!

4. Water fountains

Research shows that more germs are found on and around drinking fountains than on toilets! The fountain spout as well as the button to activate the stream bears many damaging pathogens that can cause stomach problems and pneumonia-like symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Bring a water bottle from home instead and wash it with soap and warm water daily to prevent bacteria reproduction. If you must use the fountain, run the water for 15 seconds before drinking and make sure it runs clear.

 Your workout stops for no one (or no germ)!

The health benefits from exercising at the gym definitely outweigh the risks! It’s easy to stay protected from pests getting in the way of your workout, so no excuses!