Germs Love Gyms: How to Keep Your Gym Safe & Germ-Free

 

As the cold season is here, more people head indoors for workouts, fitness centers and face a big challenge: Germs Love Gyms.   

According to studies, each square inch of gym equipment can harbor over a million germs. That’s more than a cafeteria tray, a toilet seat, and even public bathroom taps combined. Yikes.   

Here’s what the data says and what you can do about it:  

Why Hygiene in Gyms Matters

• 1 in 1,000 gym-goers may get sick from viruses picked up at the gym.  
•  Warm, sweaty environments + shared equipment = perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses like Staph, norovirus, and even COVID-19.  
• A 2019 study found 38% of gym surfaces tested positive for Staph bacteria. Medicine balls, weigh plates, and CrossFit boxes were the worst offenders. 

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting

• Cleaning removes dirt and some germs (soap, water, detergents).  
• Disinfecting kills germs using chemicals—essential for reducing infection risk.  

 Pro Tip: Let disinfectant sit for 20–30 seconds before wiping. Wiping too soon reduces effectiveness.

High-Touch Hotspots  

• Cardio machine handles  
• Weightlifting grips  
• Mats  
• Door handles  

Basically, anything you touch after someone else’s sweaty hands.

Essential Hygiene Practices  

• Hand Sanitizer Stations: Place them throughout the facility, especially near washroom exits.  
• Disinfectant Wipes & Sprays: Make them easily accessible so members can clean equipment before and after use.  
• Air Purification: Indoor air can be 2–5x more polluted than outdoors. Use systems that remove 99.9% of pathogens and VOCs. 

• Share on:
• WhatsApp
• Deel
• X
• Pin it
• Messenger
• Email

---