Most people go to the gym to live a healthier lifestyle, but nasty germs on the equipment could make you very sick.
Read more: This one activity can make you gain weight more than anything
The germiest piece of gym equipment is…
According to a study from FitRated.com, a fitness equipment review site, typical free weights have over 362 times more germs than a toilet seat. Gross!
And that’s only the beginning.
Researchers gathered bacteria samples from 27 pieces of equipment at three different gyms to learn more about what you could be exposed to when you touch a treadmill, exercise bike or free weights.
“We tested the samples we gathered to determine bacteria levels based on colony-forming units (CFU) ‘ the number of viable bacteria cells,” FitRated.com reported. “And it turns out the average treadmill, exercise bike, and free weight are all teeming with germs ‘ more than 1 million per square inch apiece.”
The study found the average exercise bike harbors 39 times more bacteria than a cafeteria tray, and the treadmill averages 74 times more bacteria than a public bathroom faucet.
If you work out at the gym regularly, FitRated.com says there are five common sense reminders that you need to know about to avoid getting sick:
- Disinfect machines before and after use
- Never walk around barefoot
- Don’t touch your face
- Wash your hands after working out
- Change out of your gym clothes
One final piece of advice: If you’ve come down with a contagious illness, skip the gym until you feel better! The last thing you want to do is infect anyone else.
Read more: Best way to control your weight? Hint: It’s not just diet or exercise!
