Gym Germs

Over recent years Health centres, gymnasiums and dance centres have become a regular and popular routine for many fitness gurus. Yet, these seemingly healthy environments can be a mecca for multiplying germs and can become a breeding ground for illnesses and infections. The gym environment is the ideal breeding area for many germs. The warm moist air from hot, sweating bodies is the perfect environment for incubating and multiplying bugs. The gym and fitness room equipment provide an ideal environment in which these bugs can thrive. For example, barbells, fitness dance poles, safety mats and even gym towels can house these infectious germs. The human body is the main transport system for these germs. Your hands can easily be contaminated without you even knowing and pass them to anything you touch. Most cold and flu viruses are passed by droplets from a person’s mouth or nose. If these are present on gym equipment they can easily infect the next person to use the equipment. There are four major micro-organisms (germs) which are common in fitness centres and gymnasiums: Bacteria – These single-celled organisms which include, staphylococcus aureus and streptococci. These can cause skin infections. The germ is easily transmitted to another person and can cause serious illnesses such as; pneumonia Fungi – A single-celled organism which is slightly more complex than a bacteria cell. This microorganism thrives in areas of moisture and warmth. Any of these unwanted germs can cause fungal infections such as; athletes foot. Each person is affected by a fungal infection differently than another, yet all infections are uncomfortable and can be easily prevented with good personal hygiene. Protozoa – A single-celled organism e.g. Giardia, commonly found in hot tubs, whirlpools and swimming pools which are poorly sanitized. These are the rarest form of infectious agent found in gym areas. Viruses – These are the most complex of micro-organisms and require a host in order to survive. These are passed via human contact and cause illnesses such as; the influenza virus and the common cold. Health and Safety – Employers or owners of gymnasiums, dance clubs and the like have a duty to ensure that any customer or employee are safe during their time of leisure or employment. Customers may come into contact with harmful or infectious micro-organisms on a daily basis at any gymnasium or fitness centre, therefore, the risk of contamination from equipment or close contact with other customers also increases on a daily basis. Thus it is the responsibility of the owners of the club or fitness centre to ensure the health and safety of any customer or employee by following strict health and safety regulations. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states: Section 3 of the act - “places general duties upon employers and the self-employed to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of anyone not in their employment who are likely to be affected by their undertaking”. So if you are a teacher, instructor, or responsible for gym or fitness equipment then you will need to ensure you keep the equipment free from harmful gym germs. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states: Section 3 of the act - “places general duties upon employers and the self-employed to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of anyone not in their employment who are likely to be affected by their undertaking”. For cleaning many of these gym germs we would recommend to keep all equipment and gym areas fully maintained and cleaned regularly. We would recommend an anti bacterial and anti fungi solution. We have fitness dance poles that are regularly used by students and gym users for pole dancing classes. These dance poles are likely to harbour many gym germs. We use a PAL disinfectant probe wipe which is impregnated with a high specification broad spectrum bactericide. Used in both health care and food industry, they are active against bacteria as well as viruses and fungi. These are ideal for use to clean your fitness dance pole. Antibacterial wipes are safe and easy to use before and after pole dancing dance. Especially useful to help control the spread of bacteria and fungi on lap dance poles and other equipment used in gyms, clubs and leisure centers.