Urgent warning for fitness fanatics as scientists reveal gyms ‘full of germs’ including bugs that cause diarrhoea, athlete’s foot and ringworm

If you’re already regretting your New Year’s resolution to get fit, this is your perfect excuse to avoid the gym.

A scientist has issued an urgent warning to fitness fanatics about the germs lurking in gyms.

Dr. Primrose Freestone, senior lecturer in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, warns that barbells, barbells and exercise machines can act as reservoirs for a range of bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens.

This includes insects that can cause everything from diarrhea to athlete’s foot.

However, the microbiologist warns that the dirtiest places are actually outside the gym floor.

In an article for The conversationshe explained: ‘By far the most germ-rich areas in any gym are places that are warm and wet – such as saunas, showers, swimming pools or hot tubs.

‘But many other parts of the gym are also full of germs – including on the equipment you use every time you go.

“Basically anywhere there’s sweat there’s probably germs.”

Dr. Primrose Freestone, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, warns that barbells, barbells and exercise machines can act as reservoirs for a range of bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens

While sweat is an important sign that you’re working hard, it’s also an excellent source of food for bacteria and fungi, even after it has dried.

‘This means that any sweat that drips from you (or other gym-goers) can be used by bacteria and germs to help them grow,’ explains Dr Freestone.

Warm and wet areas tend to have the most germs, although the expert warns they have been found ‘everywhere’.

“Disease-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses have been found everywhere – from gym floors and door handles, weights and barbells, cardio machines, bicycle and treadmill handlebars, benches, chairs and exercise mats,” she said.

The most common germ in gyms is Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that can cause skin infections.

However, previous studies have uncovered traces of viral infections, including rhinovirus, influenza, Covid-19 virus and syncytial virus.

“(These) can all linger in the air of an enclosed gym for hours,” Dr. Freestone warned.

‘They can also be left on a hard surface for a number of days.’

In an article for The Conversation, she explained: ‘By far the most germ-rich areas in any gym are places that are warm and wet – such as saunas, showers, swimming pools or hot tubs.

Additionally, several common germs found in the gym can cause skin infections, including ringworm and athlete’s foot, human papillomavirus (which causes plantar warts), as well as impetigo and other rashes caused by staphylococci.

Fortunately, before you throw in the towel, there are several things you can do to protect yourself from infections.

Although your gym manager should clean the workout equipment regularly, it doesn’t hurt to use antiseptic wipes to disinfect the equipment itself, both before and after use.

At the same time, washing your hands with soap and water is a must, says Dr. Freestone.

‘Hands are a vector for acquiring germs. If (washing with soap and water) is not possible, you can use a hand sanitizer containing at least 70% alcohol before and during exercise and after leaving the gym,” she said.

Because bacteria thrive on damp towels, changing areas and shower floors, the expert recommends always wearing shoes and avoiding sharing towels, combs or razors.

In the meantime, to prevent skin infections, always cover any cuts or scratches.

‘Showering after your workout and putting on clean clothes is both refreshing and an effective way to remove skin germs you’ve picked up while exercising,’ added Dr. Freestone.

Finally, as tricky as it may sound, the expert claims that your gym bag should be disinfected “every use or two.”