Gyms

[ladybug]

Hello...

So, I know many athletes have come down with MRSA over the years cause of picking it up in gym locker rooms and on gym equipment. I've also heard news stories about it showing up in "normal people gyms" on weights, treadmills, etc... Most people can fight it off or live with it in peace, but obviously, like with everything, we have to be extra careful.

So, my question is, how worried do you think I need to be about contracting something (Staph, etc...) from the machines, weights, doors, locker rooms, etc. at my local gym? I wash my hands before and then after my total workout. Can I do anything more? I'm very nervous about this, but don't want to avoid the gym or start doing stuff at home or outside, cause being at the gym with a bunch of other people IS what motivates me.

So, am I being excessive? What would ya'll do? Is hand washing enough?

Thanks-

 

[thelizardqueen]

When I go to the gym, I always wash my hands before I use the equipment, and afterwards. As well, my gym has antibactieral spray and paper towel that most people use to wipe down the machines AFTER they use them, but I use it to wipe down BEFORE and AFTER. I can never be too careful. I can't really think of much else that you can do. Just be careful around people who are coughing, etc.

 

[julie]

Grab a towel and a cleaning bottle and carry it aroudn with you to every peice of gym equip. you use. Wipe down before and after you use it. Definately a valid concern. That's what Mark does...

 

[anonymous]

I would go to the gym during off peak times like after ten am to three pm. I would do what you are doing with washing but try not to touch your face at all until you wash your hands again. Keep your hands moisturized well so you do not get cracks in your hands where germs can visit (I am referring to at home).

I would not use the lockers if I were you and do not shower until you get home. I think the germs are in lockers and showers.

Bring a towel to sit on if you are wearing shorts.

Years ago, I used the sauna and showers and never got anything. Perhaps there are more resistant bugs these days?

Taking walks outside in the nice weather is good too. You can always buy your own free weights. If There is a will there is a way

Take care of yourself
Risa

 

[ladybug]

Our gym (Gold's) does have any spray or paper towels to wipe down equipment, and they have signs up that specifically say NOT to use spray on consoles of equipment. Urgh! I think that's pretty bad. I mean, do THEY not even clean the consoles with spray?!?! Either way, I don't think that's an option since they have signs EVERYWHERE about it, and I'd rather not draw attention to myself. Good idea though.

 

[anonymous]

What about sani-cloths -- wipes you can pick up at walmart for $1.50 that kill off any number of bugs. I take those or PS wipes along on trips to wipe off hotel remote controls, phones, etc. Liza

 

[anonymous]

hi u can buy desposible cloves use them u wnt look out of place either ok anyway sod wat any1 else finks look after no1 thats you.cj

 

[ladybug]

hi, cj... maybe its my "virus" i have, but i didn't understand a word of what you wrote! lol

Sorry-


edited to read:

Nevermind, I think I get the gist of it after re-reading a couple times! Thanks. I agree I need to look out for ME and not worry 'bout it.

 

[thelizardqueen]

I believe they were talking about disposible gloves? I could be wrong though.

 

[Giggles]

Put a towel down so your face is NEVER touching the machine/bench. NEVER put your hands to your face. Wash your hands really good when done. Wipe down the cardio machine before use.


Jennifer 34 years old with Cf and CFRD

 

[julie]

Sonia, that's absoultely absurd. I can understand you don't want to draw attention to yourself, so maybe just asking to speak to the manager 1 on 1 about WHY they don't have gym wipe down stuff. Every gym I've ever been to has signs that say, "please wipe down all equp. after your use INCLUDING seats". I'm shocked.....

 

[Scarlett81]

I think its a valid concern too. You don't want to be crazy, but there are lots of germs at a gym. I have a membership, and I go when I'm in good shape (immune/lung wise) occasionally, but if I feel tired, run down, ect I stay away. I also live on a farm so I can go on long walks and runs outside -I don't think its a good idea to cut exercise altogether. If the gym is your only way-I'd go and wipe everything down with sanitizing towelettes and wash hands constantly. The benefits of exercise are too great to pass up.

 

[Scarlett81]

forgot to mention-I put a tablet of Airborn in to a large bottle of water and drink that on my way to the gym and during my workout. And again wipe the machine/weights down with a anti-bac wipe before you start.

 

[thelizardqueen]

Christian - what is Airborn?

 

[Scarlett81]

You know what Alka Seltzer is? You drop it in water and it fizzles and dissolves? Airborne is like that, except its concentrated vitamin C, herbs and amino acids -basically an immune boosting multi vit-but by dropping it in water you can drink it and absorb it into your body super fast. Faster than taking pill herbs or vits.

I get it at my local grocery store or Wal mart, Target, cvs, ect. But the cold medicines.

It's designed for use around air borne spread viruses, and I use it when I go on planes. I rarely advertise any supplement, but this works for me. I used to get sick everytime I went on a plane, and I started that and I haven't gotten sick once since.

 

[Scarlett81]

"But the cold medicines"

I meant to say 'BY' the cold medicines.

 

[thelizardqueen]

This is interesting. I'll have to check to see if its carried at my Walmart. Do you drink it all the time in your water, or do you just use it on certain occasions? Can you taste it? LOL - I'm just full of questions.

 

[ladybug]

Julie,
I've thought of talking to the manager, but the gym is a lot of pro body builders, so I doubt they'd change the policy just for me. Maybe I'll look into the county health policies on gyms and see what I find. They DO have signs that "you are required to use a towel while using exercise equipment and wipe down machines when finished".... I find this disgusting, and am GLAD no one does it! Who wants sweaty-towel wiped all over the machines!!! The do have paper towels as well, but I've yet to see anyone get one, and personally, why wipe down with a dry paper towel? Urgh... I will probably start bringing my own wipes. Too bad it has to cost me money.

 

[thelizardqueen]

That's why I go to the Y.

 

[julie]

I'd definately check with the county health policies on gyms, there has got to be something in writing regulating this. All the gyms I've ever been to (and believe me, with Mark it's a lot!) have bottles of their own "special" disinfectant spray to use and people who don't use it are reminded to do so by management. Seems all very strange to me.