Tips for avoiding swine flu at the gym

There are few places where germs are exchanged more freely then at the gym. Countless exercisers touch cardio machines, mats, weights and other popular equipment, and they are often scantily clothed and sweaty when they do it. Frances Largeman-Roth senior editor of Health magazine listed the health club as one of the “germiest” places you’ll encounter during an average day. So how does one stay healthy while visiting the health club? Simple health club courtesies will help to keep yourself and others safe. Use these precautions the next time you visit the gym so that your fitness goals are not derailed by illness.

1. Wipe down equipment before and after use. Most exercisers know that wiping down equipment after use is expected, but a solid wipe down prior to use will minimize your risk of exposure to germs.
2. Use antibacterial wipes. Some health club spray solutions take a full minute to sanitize whatever equipment they are sprayed on. Many clubs are making antibacterial wipes available because they work more efficiently.
3. Wash your hands before heading to the workout floor. Be considerate of your fellow exercisers by protecting them from whatever you may have come in contact with on your way into the club.
4. Bring your own workout towel. Although most health clubs provide complimentary towels, they generally look the same and can easily be confused with another exerciser’s dirty towel. Bring your own distinct towel so that you know that the towel you pick up during your workout is your’s alone.
5. Cover equipment while in use. Hands rails of cardio equipment, pads on strength training machines, and mats can be covered with a towel during use so that you don’t have to worry about the health of the person who used it before you.
6. Wash your hands before you leave. Your healthy habits may not be shared by everyone at the health club. Spend 20 seconds washing with soap before heading out the door.  Use this video as a how-to guide for proper washing technique.