The gym is a place where bodies and lives are changed. People come to workout sculpt those chiseled abs that you can bounce a quarter off of, run that extra mile or get enough energy to climb some mountain somewhere. No matter what your goals are the gym is a place that can help you achieve them. So, the last thing anyone wants is to fall sick because of the gym, but it is that time of the year again when it is difficult to have a conversation without a little cough here or a little sniff there.
As we strive to reach our fitness goals try, follow some of the tips below to stay healthy while getting strong and fit:
- Wash Your Hands, and wash them often but especially after your workout. Hundreds of people a day touch equipment and although we like to believe everyone listened to their mother in regard to hygiene be smart and wash your hands.
- Clean Machines and Equipment prior to and after using them: in the Fitness Centre you share everything. This includes mats. Unfortunately such large surfaces collect dirt, grime, sweat and bacteria. A good facility will provide its clients with disinfecting spray and towels. These are placed around mats and equipment to be used, so please do so, there is no excuse.
- Cover any injuries: scrapes and cuts may seem minor but they are openings in which bacteria can enter the body and make a small injury much worse. Any injuries that are actively bleeding or in the process of recovery should be covered with a band aid or secure bandage. Facilities will have first aid kits on hand for extra band aids; don’t be too proud to ask for extras. A very common injury that occurs in the gym is shin scrapes from deadlifting. Walk around the gym and the shins can tell you a story of who deadlifts and who doesn’t. It’s like the bar has its own personal vendetta against your shins, so it is important you attend to any scrapes or cuts and live to fight another day. Take the extra steps to notify staff so that they can properly sterilize a bar if you did bleed on it.
- Ensure proper hygiene: a proper shower is necessary to prevent bacteria from lingering on your body after a workout. Taking a shower after a workout can also help you prevent fungal infection such as athlete’s foot and ringworm which can occur if you stay in sweaty clothes for a prolonged time period. Damp surfaces happen to be a breeding ground for several types of micro bacteria. So, packing that extra set of gym clothes is a win-win for everyone.
- Stay home if you are sick: if you are ill or suffering from something as simple as a cold stay at home, it’s only common courtesy. Doing a workout while sick can prolong your illness, so take a few days to come back healthier and ready to get even stronger and fitter.
Following even a few of these tips will ensure that you can come to the gym without worry and leave the gym knowing you’ve worked hard to improve your health and fitness. Above all remember to have fun!
Tope Adekola
Carleton University Law
