Working out is essential for a healthy body, skin and mind. However, the gym is one place where most people like you, come to sweat it out and this warm, damp environment is the perfect place for germs, bacteria and viruses to thrive. While you can’t give up going to the gym, you can take a few precautions to save your health and skin from these common hygiene hazards.
Here are 5 things you need to do to make sure your gym environment is hygienic and safe for your skin.
- Wipe equipment down before and after use
- Wash your gym clothes daily
- Use your own mat for floor exercises
- Carry your own towel
- Wash your hands
Wipe equipment down before and after use
In order to minimise the risk of coming in contact with germs and bacteria, wipe the equipment before laying your hands on them. It is better to be safe than sorry where your skin and health are concerned. Most gyms provide surface cleaners to wipe the equipment before and after use.
Wash your gym clothes daily
Other than getting rid of sweaty clothes as soon as you’re done working out, put your clothes in the laundry when you get home. Stretchy materials such as Lycra remain damp for a long time and emit a lot of odour. So, to avoid back acne and other possible skin infections practice this habit.
Use your own mat for floor exercises
If you’re into Yoga, chances are you spend a lot of time on the exercise mat. Whether you have to place your hands on it or lay face down, using your own mat ensures it’s clean and germ-free. Frequently wipe this mat to get rid of dirt and bacteria.
Carry your own towel
Hot and moist environments are hot spots for bacteria to flourish. To prevent getting rashes and skin infections, we suggest using your own towel inside saunas and steam rooms. The sauna bench isn’t as clean as you think!
Wash your hands
As soon as you finish your sweat session, head straight to the showering area and wash your hands. Do not touch your face or any other part of your body before washing your hands. Also, do not use the same towel to wipe your face as the one you used while working out, use a paper towel instead.
Written by Sanya Hamdani on Oct 22, 2019