Flupreparedness.org

Ironically, health clubs and gyms–  the very places we go to improve our fitness – can be highly effective breeding grounds for a host of illness-causing germs including the H1N1 virus.

Although we visit the gym to improve our well-being and enhance our looks, from a microbial level the fitness center is not a pretty site. Envision a steady stream of perspiring people in gym shorts and tank tops – all using the same spas, saunas showers, locker rooms and equipment. You get the picture.

Steps for Fitness Center Owners

Even if the H1N1 virus does not reach pandemic proportions, responsible club owners can help to provide a safer fitness environment for health club members. In recent years, several large commercial cleaning franchisors have brought practices typically used in the healthcare environment, such as cleaning for infection control and cross-contamination elimination, to mainstream facilities such as healthcare and fitness centers.

By conducting extensive research and developing science-based cleaning guidelines and procedures, these companies now provide hygienic cleaning that focuses on cleaning at the microbial level to kill, contain and remove illness-causing germs and keep club members safe and healthy.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Flu at the Gym

With headlines about possible pandemics and drug-resistant bacteria, cleanliness at the fitness center is more important than ever. Fitness club members should look for a fitness center that is properly cleaned and maintained, and also take personal measures to avoid infectious illness that can be spread at the gym.

• Wipe off each machine before and after using it with a disinfecting or sanitizing wipe. It is important to clean each machine after you use it to help stop the spread of germs.
• Bring your own water bottle instead of using the drinking fountain. Drinking fountains are exposed to people’s mouths all day.
• Wash your hands when you leave the gym. The gym is full of sweaty people and people rubbing their eyes and sneezing into their hands. In order to avoid putting unwanted germs in your body, wash your hands right when you are done exercising. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Wear flip-flops in the shower.
• Don’t share your towel.
• Bring your own soap for showering.
• Never store damp or wet workout clothes in your locker or gym bag.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Remember, if you are sick, CDC recommends that you stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.