Flu season is officially here, and while most of us are focused on boosting immunity with healthy diets and exercise, we often overlook the hidden culprits sabotaging our health.
If you’re a regular gym-goer, you might unknowingly be exposing yourself to a host of germs and bacteria lurking in your fitness space.
While hitting the gym is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, research shows that gyms can also be breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can wreak havoc on your immune system, especially during flu season.
The hidden health hazards in your gym
Most people are shocked when they learn what’s actually making them ill at the gym,” says Sol Scheinmann, the founder of Pilates Matters. “As a fitness professional, I’ve identified several overlooked culprits that contribute to illness among regular gym-goers.”
Below, Scheinmann shares eight commonly ignored items and habits that might be compromising your health during workouts.
1. Your unwashed water bottle
That trusty reusable water bottle you carry everywhere might be more harmful than you think. Studies have found that reusable bottles can harbour over 300,000 colony-forming units (CFUs) of bacteria per square centimetre, more germs than a toilet seat!
Bacteria thrive in moist environments, and if you’re refilling your bottle without washing it properly, you’re essentially drinking from a bacteria playground.
Combine this with the temporary suppression of your immune system after an intense workout, and you have a recipe for illness.
2. Dirty earbuds
Your workout playlist might keep you motivated, but your earbuds could be introducing harmful bacteria directly into your ear canal. Sweat, earwax, and oils create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infections like swimmers’ ear.
3. The gym bag you never clean
Gym bags are often damp, dark, and filled with sweaty clothes, all ideal conditions for bacteria and fungi to thrive. These germs can transfer to your clean workout gear and even cause skin infections.
4. Shared gym equipment
Most gym-goers know that shared equipment is a hotbed for germs, but the extent of contamination is shocking. Research shows gym equipment, like dumbbells and treadmills, can carry bacteria that trigger illnesses like the flu, staph infections, and even MRSA.
5. Sweaty clothes you sit in
It might seem harmless to grab a coffee or run errands in your workout gear, but sweat-soaked fabrics are a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Prolonged exposure can cause skin issues like folliculitis, jock itch, and yeast infections.
6. Studio mats without covers
Whether you’re doing yoga, Pilates, or stretching, using studio-provided mats without personal covers is a risky move. These mats come into contact with dozens of bodies daily and can harbour viruses, fungi, and bacteria.
7. Improperly washed gym clothes
Sweat-wicking fabrics are great for workouts, but they also trap bacteria, oils, and dead skin cells. Tossing gym clothes in with your regular laundry may not be enough to kill germs, leading to recurring skin irritations and infections.
8. Poor ventilation in gyms
Crowded gyms with poor ventilation can quickly become breeding grounds for airborne germs. When people exercise, they exhale more deeply, releasing respiratory droplets that can spread viruses like the flu.
According to the South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), flu season typically peaks between May and August. While exercise boosts immunity in the long term, overtraining or exposure to gym-related germs can have the opposite effect, leaving you vulnerable to illness.
How to protect yourself
Gym hygiene doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple tips to stay healthy while staying active:
1. Boost your immune system: Eat a balanced diet rich in immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits, garlic, and spinach.
2. Anti-germ checklist by Trudie Mitschang
Follow this quick checklist to avoid germ exposure while working out:
- Cover any cuts or broken skin with a bandage before you go to the gym.
- Wash your hands before and after your workout.
- Wipe down machines before and after use.
- Don’t shave at the gym or immediately before going there.
- Whenever possible, shower at home after your workout
- Keep dirty clothes and sneakers in separate gym bag compartments, or place them in a plastic bag.
- Wipe down your gym bag with a disinfectant spray, and wash gym clothes after each use
While the gym is a great place to build strength and stamina, it can also be a hidden health hazard if you’re not careful.
