Many people like exercising but during the covid-19 pandemic, people can’t go to the gym to exercise so people bought gym equipment like cardio machines, free weights, or resistance bands. However, many people have not considered the importance of cleaning this equipment. So here are some Must Know Tips While Cleaning The Home Gym Equipment.
There is also a risk if you are sharing the gym with multiple people in your household. But if you are the only one who is using gym equipment that does not mean you are not bringing germs into it from external environments.
While theoretically coronavirus could be one of them, there are also other common viruses such as the common cold, flu, and bacteria like staphylococcus. Additionally, gym equipment is a potential source of various types of germs and viruses.
A 2019 study was published in the BMC Infectious Diseases journal. The study involved taking 288 swabs from surfaces in fitness facilities to test for the presence of bacteria. The results showed that 12% contained its antibiotic-resistant variant and 38% of the swabs contained the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA. The equipment that was found to be most contaminated included weight plates (56%), treadmill handles (50%), weight balls (63%), and cable-driven curl bar/CrossFit box (63%). In contrast, only 19% of bathroom levers and door handles contained bacteria.
Gyms can be a source of germs and viruses. Heavy breathing, sweating, and wiping sweat from the face during activities in high-touch environments like gyms. Can easily spread germs that can transfer to the eyes and mouth. Research reveals that sponges and dish rags in homes are the dirtiest items, followed by kitchen sinks, pet bowls, and toothbrush holders. The study also found that more than 75% of dish sponges and rags tested positive for coliform bacteria. Which includes salmonella and E. coli, and indicates possible fecal contamination.
Cleaning Routine For Your New Home Gym
When we exercise using gym equipment we should disinfect them after use. That includes clothes, weights, machines, mats, water bottles, and anything else that you came in contact with during exercise.
You should use disinfectant wipes or spray and a paper towel after every use for regular cleaning. Experts also advised deeper cleaning every one to two weeks. Which involves washing everything with mild soap and water and then using a disinfectant. Use gloves while performing the deep clean for the best results.
Special Guide For Cleaning Gym Equipment
It is very difficult to make the home gym completely free of germs unless you perform very high-temperature cleaning. The high-temperature cleaning like the one done on medical equipment is necessary to achieve this goal. But this type of cleaning is not practical for home gyms. Instead, regular cleaning will keep the levels of bacteria under control and safe.
Clean A Yoga Mat To Maintain Hygiene
Experts suggest using a sanitizing spray and thoroughly spraying the mat and letting it dry, with the drying process being important for killing most germs. To achieve the best results while cleaning your mat. Cover the entire surface with a disinfectant wipe, allow it to fully air-dry, and then roll it back up. For deeper cleanings, place the mat in the bathtub, scrub it with a brush, and after it dries, wipe it down with a disinfectant.
Foam Rollers
Foam rollers are an important tool for fitness and wellness, but they can also be a source of bacteria and germs. Experts recommend wiping down your fitness equipment with a disinfectant to keep it clean. But avoid submerging it in water as this can retain moisture and become a breeding ground for bacteria. If a foam roller becomes old, worn, or discolored. It is best to replace it with a new one that has a solid and non-porous surface that will not easily collect particles and harbor bacteria.
Hand Weights
Hand weights such as dumbbells can easily collect dirt and grime on their textured and grippy surfaces. Clean your fitness equipment by spraying disinfectant or sanitizer into the cracks and crevices. You can also use a scrub brush with soap and water for a more thorough deep cleaning. Also, try to remove any debris such as dead skin cells. Ensure not only clean the handles of the weights but also their ends. As these often get overlooked but still come into contact with skin and can harbor bacteria.
Resistance Bands and Suspension Trainers
Clean your resistance bands and suspension trainers regularly to prevent bacteria and germ buildup. Use sanitizer or disinfectant wipes for daily cleaning, but for a deeper clean, place them in a bucket of warm soapy water and scrub. Rinse and dry thoroughly, then apply disinfectant to ensure they are hygienic. Pay extra attention to the foam handles, which come into frequent contact with skin, when cleaning.
Cardio Machines
Cardio machines, such as treadmills, stationary bikes, and ellipticals, can harbor germs. But they are easy to clean due to their smooth surfaces and screens. Wiping the screen and handles with a disinfectant after each use will remove most of the germs. But it is important to also clean the entire machine, including pedals or tread, during periodic deep cleans. Footwear can bring in many germs. So it’s important to be thorough when cleaning cardio machines to ensure they are hygienic for use.
Shoes
Keep a separate pair of shoes for at-home use only to prevent carrying germs and bacteria from outside to inside. Leave all other footwear at the door to minimize the introduction of germs into the home gym. If street shoes must be worn on yoga mats or cardio machines. Then thoroughly wipe down all contact points with disinfectant to prevent transferring germs. Be mindful of the footwear used in the home gym environment as they are more likely to introduce germs rather than take them out.
Clothes
Dirty and sweaty workout clothes can be a breeding ground for bacteria. It does not matter how not sweaty the clothes are, so it’s important to wash them after every use. This applies even if the clothes do not seem too dirty or sweaty. Changing into new clean clothes immediately after a workout. Also showering, if possible, can help reduce the risk of skin acne and yeast infections on the skin or genitals. Washing workouts and regular clothes regularly can prevent the buildup of bacteria. You should also, ensure they are clean and fresh for the next workout. It is also very important to use disinfectant on clothes whenever you come out from outside.
Water Bottles
Water bottles used during exercise can often become contaminated with bacteria. Also, drinking unclean water is one of the major causes of why most people get sick. A study published in the Journal of Exercise Physiology in August 2018 found that 83% of reusable shaker bottles had significant bacteria contamination. To reduce the risk of bacteria in water bottles. It is recommended to put them in the dishwasher after each use. You can also deep clean water bottles manually. Before getting a drink or smoothie ready. It’s important to wash or sanitize your hands to minimize the spread of bacteria. These simple steps can help keep water bottles hygienic and safe for use during exercise.
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