6 Ways To Avoid Getting Sick When Working Out At The Gym

The gym is a favorite hangout among dads around the world. It is the place where they can build muscles, strengthen the body, boost their endurance, and enhance their heart and brain health.

Working out at the gym also gives dads the chance to blow off steam and let go of any tension and stress they are feeling.

When men go to the gym, they get an opportunity to talk to other health buffs about their fitness training and goals. They can also chat about other things, such as tips for raising their kids and places to go for an upcoming date night with their wives.

But while a fitness center may seem like the perfect place to frequent, it’s important to keep one thing in mind. These places are full of germs — tiny, invisible organisms that can make you sick and cause you to miss out on your responsibilities at work, at home, and even at the gym.

Unhealthy Workout “Buddies”

Public places with high traffic, including gyms, are teeming with different types of germs. One of the most common strains of bacteria that can be found in the various surfaces and pieces of equipment at the gym is the rhinovirus, the microbe responsible for the common cold.

Even if the gym staff clean and disinfect the equipment regularly, they can’t get rid of all the germs. This is because rhinovirus and the other flu-, cold-, and cough-causing bacteria tend to stick around longer on hard surfaces. Since concrete floors and surfaces surround nearly all gyms, there will be more microbes in these places.

Additionally, these germs can remain alive for up to two days. If they are not disinfected immediately, they tend to linger longer and spread out. A person who picks up these germs leaves the microbes behind after using a particular fitness machine.

When another person uses the same piece of equipment without any cleaning in between, they can get the bacteria as well and spread these around the gym.

The bad news for gym buffs, unfortunately, does not end here. Bacteria are not confined to the surfaces and equipment inside the fitness center. They can also be found in mats, towels, locker rooms, and showers.

Body Strengthening, Not Weakening

Since the gym is full of germs and people can get a cold, flu, or cough while exercising here, it is important that they minimize the risk of getting sick when frequenting the gym.

Having a supply of cough and cold medicines at hand and taking the prescribed syrup dosage when men start feeling sick is one way of avoiding the more serious symptoms of these illnesses. With this preventive measure, men can get back to their routine, which includes going to the gym in their best form.

Dads can also achieve their fitness goals while working out at the gym without getting sick by following the tips below:

1.     Wipe gym equipment before and after using them

Most fitness centers have a pack of antibacterial wet wipes inside the workout area. Gym members should use them to wipe the equipment before and after using them.

In case this is not supplied, members will have to take the initiative to bring a pack of wipes whenever they go to the gym.

Wiping all cardio and weight training machines before using them removes all the germs left behind by the previous user. Doing this after use also helps other people avoid getting any residual bacteria.

2.     Wash hands regularly

Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly after a workout. This is a must, especially before they eat. 

People need to practice proper handwashing techniques to ensure they get rid of all germs they may have picked up. Using antibacterial soap is highly recommended as well.

If you do not have time to wash your hands properly, you can use an antibacterial wipe or sanitizer. However, you still need to wash with soap and water as soon as possible.

3.     Take a shower immediately after working out

To get rid of more germs from the body, gym buffs should take a bath after exercising. A hot shower will reduce the chances of infection and wash away all the sweat and bad smells.

They would also do well to use antibacterial soap when taking a bath to wash away more germs.

Additionally, all gym enthusiasts need to remember that bacteria can also be found in the locker and shower room floors. As such, they should wear flip-flops to avoid getting a wart virus.

4.     Follow the BYOT rule

Gym buffs are advised to follow the BYOT (Bring Your Own Towel) rule. Although towels are free for use at the gym, even if they seem and smell clean, it is best to steer clear of them.

When gym enthusiasts bring their own towels, they can be more confident that what they are using to wipe their face and to dry off are washed thoroughly and clean. As a result, the towels are less likely to make them sick.

People should also avoid sharing their towels, even with their closest, healthiest-looking buddies.

5.     Have a healthy lifestyle

To have a stronger immune system and enable the body to fight off infections, gym buffs need to have a balanced diet.

They should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy proteins, and other nutrient-rich foods. They also need to limit their intake of fatty, salty, and sugary snacks and treats.

People who work out need to get enough quality sleep every night as well. They should get seven to eight hours of shut-eye to strengthen their immune system when going into a place teeming of germs, such as the gym.

6.     Stay hydrated

Water also plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system and keeping the body healthy. As such, fitness buffs need to stay hydrated all the time, whether they are at the gym or not.

Fitness buffs have to drink eight glasses of water a day to get the most health benefits from this natural, healthy, and low-calorie beverage. To avoid getting dehydrated and sustain their energy at the gym, they have to drink plenty of water during and after their workout.

Men going to the gym need to remember to bring their own water bottle. Water fountains at fitness centers (and anywhere else) can harbor bacteria. To avoid getting any germs, they have to drink only from their own jug or container.

For dads who come home after working out at a fitness center, taking a shower and washing their hands thoroughly before touching or holding their young children is a must. They have to be sure their little ones won’t get any germs coming from the gym. This is a flu prevention tip for kids that parents should not ignore.

To all gym buffs, follow the tips above to be sure you come home with healthier body, and not with germs that could make you and your family sick.

If you have other tips for having a safe, healthier workout at the gym, share them below.