Gym Germs Can Make You Sick - JP Fitness Forums

Q. · 08-03-2006, 08:49 AM

Gym Germs Can Make You Sick

By CHRIS CUOMO

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Health/story?id=2237306

July 26, 2006 — Americans hit the gym in search of bigger arms, massive chests and smaller waists, but many don't know that gyms are hotbeds for germs.
ABC News conducted a test to find out just how many germs people could encounter when working out.
Dr. Philip Tierno, a microbiologist, said that the large number of people, exposed skin, and sweat present at gyms could be perfect for spreading infections.
"You're not using that one machine exclusively for yourself," Tierno said. "You're leaving that machine, and someone else follows you and your germs that you leave behind. Eighty percent of all infectious disease is transmitted by contact."
Tierno said that if a sick person used a machine, the person who used it next and then touched their eyes or mouth could get sick.
ABC News staffers took swabs to almost every piece of gym equipment they used and brought the samples to Tierno's lab at New York University Hospital.
Tierno found the germs staph aureus, klebsiella, enterobacter and E. coli, which can cause various ailments.

Risky Machines

Tierno said the highest risk areas at the gym were machines used by "multiple people in quick sequence, such as dumbbells, seats where people may bike, or where people may sit down to lift weights."
For example, on a lateral pull-down machine, ABC News found bacillus, which comes from the soil.
It most likely came from someone's shoes. On an exercise bike, ABC News found sarcinia, candida specie, staphylococcus epi and diptheroids.
The worst place of all was the shower floor.
"Unfortunately, germs do survive in the shower, on walls, and on the floor," Tierno said. "I found it in hordes — unbelievable quantities. We use the word 'innumerable.' Innumerable."
According to Tierno, E. coli and many of the other germs found by ABC News won't necessarily make you sick.
"You wear your little slippers, and you're OK," Tierno said. "But just as easily as those nonpathogenic germs touch those surfaces, we can have more pathogenic forms touch them. That's the point."

Inspired · 08-03-2006, 05:10 PM

Germs in general can make you sick.

At the Y they make everyone spray down machines and benches after use.. That cuts down on germs..

UpNorth · 08-05-2006, 06:11 PM

These types of stories are always the same... my personal favorite is the annual study that finds keyboards contain more germs than toilet seats.

Here's a good story topic: Guess what folks a recent study found dirt contains tons of microbes, better not touch dirt or you'll get sick.

Just don't stick your fingers in your mouth, ears or eyes until you wash your hands -- good advice for any situation.

Grumble, grumble. I must be getting old.

Cynic · 08-05-2006, 06:52 PM

Remember, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.

TimmyTM · 08-12-2006, 04:56 PM

My immune system is in good shape. Frankly, being around germs is good for you. If you live in a bubble, your immune system never gets to fire pop shots. Swim in the Hudson, you'll have an immune system of steel.

First thing I do when I get in the shower is wash my hands.

Ruma · 08-16-2006, 03:47 AM

They won't make you sick if your immune system is in place. Agree with Cynic.. it only makes you stronger.

Guido · 08-23-2006, 04:01 AM

Paper money also contains a lot germs. Does this mean we should all revert to barter? You exchange germs when you shake hands, should we stop greeting each other? Face it, we are surrounded by germs. We live in a living, breeding, fermenting environment, it has been so for milions of years.

RobLL · 08-23-2006, 06:03 PM

One hopes that gym operators through whatever associations they have will be taking proactive steps to monitor for the dangerous micro-organisms.

The sign at our gym suggests wiping down after you finish with a machine. Given human nature it makes for sense that people wipe a machine down before they use it.

Friends tell me that in hospitals they use pre-moistened (with alcohol?) wipes. Obviously us users are going to have to pay more if these are needed.

Rob

silvister · 05-14-2008, 04:44 AM

every one know germs are every where, like where are you sitting know on the keyboard of your pc, the chair, any type of germs make you sick , it doesn't matter whether it is in the gym, keyboard or your bathroom.