Finding motivation to work out in the gym is hard enough, and this new study certainly won’t help! A study by FitRated found that gym weights carry 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. The shocking discovery troubles the gym enthusiast who is picking up a weight, putting themselves at risk for an illness or infection.
It turns out that the dumbbell you proudly lift might just be one of the biggest hotspots for germs. Humans sweating, moving from machine to machine, this is a bacteria paradise. FitRated stated, “Considering the sheer number of people who touch gym equipment in a facility during any given day, it should come as no surprise that the surfaces are less than spotless.”
According to the experiment, an average treadmill, exercise bike, and free weight are all teeming with germs, with more than 1 million per square inch apiece. Sharing gym equipment is equivalent to sharing infections and diseases. Gym owners must ensure the cleanliness of the place to avoid illness.
Health officials testing the equipment at gyms around the country found the average treadmill has 74 times more bacteria than a public bathroom faucet. The free weights have 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.
The study highlights that bacteria thrive on gym equipment due to its frequent use by multiple people. Despite many gyms providing disinfectant wipes, users often neglect to clean equipment before and after use.
The health expert recommends disinfecting the machine and weights, avoiding touching the face, and washing hands thoroughly to reduce exposure to germs and infections.
