The last thing you need is another reason to avoid the gym, right? But if you're not careful, bacteria, viruses and other nasties lurking on fitness equipment, in hot tubs, even in your water bottle, can result in anything from tummy trouble to itchy rashes. Here's a guide to where germs commonly lurk, why they're harmful to your health and how to avoid them.
What's lurking in the...
Equipment
If a fellow exerciser hasn't washed her hands after using the washroom and touches the gym equipment, she can transfer staphylococcus aureus(staph bacteria), group A streptococcus(strep bacteria)or even e-coli, according to Dr. Iris Greenwald, a family physician with the Centre for Women's Health in Richmond Hill, Ont. The bacteria can be transferred to you if you inadvertently touch tainted equipment and then your ears, nose or mouth.
Health hazard: If you have an open cut, staph or strep bacteria can enter the wound and cause skin infections, such as boils, impetigo(blisters or sores on your face)or cellulitis(skin inflammation). E-coli can cause bad stomach flu-type symptoms.
Avoid it: Wipe down the equipment with anti-bacterial solution before and after each use. Many fitness facilities, including Kitsilano Workout in Vancouver, make spritz bottles with anti-bacterial solution available to members. The problem is, not everyone uses them all the time. "I'd estimate about 60 per cent of our members use the spritz bottles," says marketing manager Darren Weston. So don't rely on others to keep the equipment clean. Alternatively, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol content, when soap and water are not available to wash your hands.
Hot tubs
Warm water makes it easier for bacteria to grow, especially the Pseudomonas bacteria, which can live on your skin and in tap water. This bacteria is transferred from one person to another via the tub water, which can happen when it isn't chlorinated adequately or if many people are using the hot tub.
Health hazard: Pseudomonas bacteria causes a skin infection which results in a red rash.
Avoid it: Check that your gym chlorinates the hot tub properly and changes the water regularly. Although there are no health guidelines governing gyms specifically, provinces do have regulations regarding spas(hot tubs)and swimming pools. For example, under the Health Promotion and Protection Act in Ontario and the Health Act in British Columbia, hot tubs and swimming pools must be inspected at least once a year(swimming pools are checked quarterly in Ontario). Also, if there is a complaint about a gym, for any reason, even mouldy ceilings, the local health department can investigate.
Swimming pools
If the water in a swimming pool becomes contaminated(from inadequate chlorination or through random fecal matter)and you swallow it, there is the risk of picking up a parasite called Cryptosporidium.
Health hazards: "When you swallow the swimming pool water, the parasite can get into your GI tract and cause gastrointestinal problems diarrhea," says Dr. Iris Greenwald, family physician, Centre for Women's Health in Richmond Hill, Ont.
Avoid it: Be cautious about bringing small children who have diarrhea or aren't fully toilet trained into the pool. Check that your gym cleans and chlorinates the pool regularly.
