Jan 30 2007
Gym Germies
It’s no secret that I am a major germophobe. In fact, Mahealani has chided me more than once for excessive use of antibacterial products. I have since cut back on my addiction to hand sanitizer, but my hair still stands on end when I think about how many germs lurk in the gym. Simply pondering the sheer volume of people sweating all over the place makes me cringe. Bacteria, fungi, staph, viruses… Short of carrying a can of Lysol with me to every machine, I am still trying to figure out a way to keep as many gym germs off of me as possible.
I have a tendency to touch my face, especially when I’m sweating. As I work out, I must make a conscious effort NOT to touch my face, or rub my eyes or nose. I have started carrying two towels, one to wipe my face and the other to wipe down the handles on the machine before I touch it.
What do you do to keep the germs at bay? Or do normal people not worry about stuff like that?
A 30-something Christian girl, blissfully wedded to her perfect match (the yang to her yin) of 14 years. Living life in Hawaii, less than 5 miles from her hometown, a slave to her mortgage payment, but seeking balance in her pursuit of family, faith, recreation, and rest.
I’m not normal. But I’m sure normal people don’t worry about it as much as you do. Still, being germophobic isn’t a bad thing. If you like, do what I did when I went to the gym. Two towels. One for me, one for wiping down equipment (if you can sign out towel from gym, use that to wipe down equipment). No sense wiping down a piece of equipment then wiping your face with it. Also, some fabric based grip gloves will help.
Or you could always get one of those home gym sets, only your germs there.
I’m very aware of germs, but eh, I don’t care. Gives my immune system something to do. Besdies, my stories of germs would give you nightmares. I’m just saying that.
luv u auntie!
You are not alone. My hubby and I both are addicted to hand sanitizer…I not only have the individual packs of wipes in my purse, but the bottle as well, and one in the car! I also make serious efforts not to touch any mucous membrane areas until my hands have been cleaned after trips to the store, etc.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with being diligent about preventing the spread of germs. Actually you may doing more people than yourself a favor. More power to ya!
I guess for me I really don’t care…I mean I do wash my hands before eating…but when comes to the gym I guess I really don’t worry about it, or should I say it don’t cross my mind…hehe…I’m glad at the bishop 24 hour fitness I see workers always wiping down the machines in the morning…so makes me feel better…I use to always see an ex-bf cousin always making sure when their two kids touch something she’s always there to clean their hands…my ex was saying to me at that time we were still together that she shouldn’t always be doing that because the kids won’t get use to germs outside when they get older ,and will be sickly kids..for me I really don’t worry about the germs very much…but everyone is different…
Donna, I don’t “worry” about the germs, but I do try to be careful. Wash my hands after being out, try not to touch my hands and face or food until I’ve washed. When I used to go to the gym, I would try to cover up things with my towel to reduce the germ contact, but only to not touch someone else’s sweat. I really believe that over-use of antibacterials is going to lead to more resistant germies that we won’t be able to protect ourselves from.
I see some folks with a little spray bottle with who-knows-what inside spray the machines and wipe them down with paper towels before they use them. I’ve never seen the workers at Bishop St. 24-Hrs wiping down the machines, lol. Then again, I go in the afternoon after work during “rush hour”. For some reason Mililani 24-Hrs seems a lot cleaner.
BTW, here’s a big tip about those Star Trac treadmills: If you see “no rpm” on the display, simply cycle the power switch and they’ll usually reset. Problem is, you have to climb down in front of the machine to do that. Make sure you “reserve” the machine by putting your towel on it - hehe.
you could always bring those antibacterial wet wipes with you and wipe down each machine that you use. that way you know that the machine is as clean as it can be while you are using it.
i actually am the opposite.
it takes a lot for me to wash
the bubs hands (maybe after
they pick up poo outside, ha!)
and i never use the hand sanitizer
stuff.
i should wash more, consider how
cootie infested we are.
at the gym, i don’t like sweaty
stuff, obviously, but i don’t like
warm seats, either. ha!
Well…”excessive” is the word when it comes to antibacterial/instant wash hands/ETOH based sanitizers. I’m proud of your efforts of cutting back! It’s just not right to “always” use a product that was designed to clean metal-hospital operating tables…think about it.
In terms of helping the “non-face touching effort”, you can always go with the 80s look of wearing those plush wrist bands and head band *smile*. I know how you love the 80s, so good luck with bringing back that style!
When I go to the gym I:
1) wipe down machines/benches with THE GYM’s cleaning supplies (which are usually disposable).
2) exercise to my heart’s content or 4 reps
3) wipe down machines after use with THE GYM’s cleaning supplies
Note: I bring a towel that is usually drapped on me or a deemed OK spot (my personal gym bag) for the sweat issue. I also tell the big muscle heads to wipe down the machines after they are down…usually I say something witty like “Ho brah! Dis ain’t your house, and your Mom isn’t hea to clean up your mess…”
Ahem…that’s just me.
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