10.Good Gym Hygiene

Good Gym Hygiene: 6 Steps

TIP 1 BUY A BETTER BOTTLE

"Plastic water bottles tend to hold bacteria," Duberg says. "The only ones you can be sure of are metal." To clean it properly, just wash it in hot, soapy water. Also, keep an eye on your bottle to make sure someone (like nearly half of the people in the survey!) doesn't sneak a sip while you aren't paying attention.

TIP 2 WIPE, WASH, REPEAT

Whether you decide to constantly wipe down the equipment, or cleanse your own hands, or a combination of the two, keeping your hands clean can help make sure gym germs don't do any damage. "Keep your own little area organized and hygienic, and you're going to be protected," says Duberg. After using each machine or set of weights, use the hand sanitizer and wipes that should be provided by your gym to keep germs at bay.

TIP 3 CLEAN YOUR GEAR

"Dirty, dark, moist gym bags are great for fungi—they'll grow just fine in the interior," says Duberg. There are several ways to avoid contaminating your gym bag "Put your dirt clothes in a plastic bag, take them out, and empty the plastic bag right into the washer," 

TIP 4 SHOWER SMARTER

Although they're not completely foolproof, flip-flops will "provide a barrier between you and the floors and you and the shower room," says Duberg. But take note: Once they get wet in the shower, fungal spores can still get on your feet. To minimize the risk, soak your sandals in a 10% bleach solution once in a while, she says. That'll help keep them—and your feet—as clean and fungus-free as possible

TIP 5 TAKE A REST DAY

"Don't go to the gym if you have a really bad cold and you're sneezing and your nose is running," she says. Also, if you have an open wound, you might want to stay away from the gym that day to avoid infection, or infecting anything you might touch while you're working out.

TIP 6 HOLD OFF ON THE HOT TUBS

If you have an open wound, skin, or other infections, absolutely do not use Jacuzzis or common pools, warns Duberg. If you do, you'll not only transmit bacteria, but you'll be more susceptible to bacteria that are already lurking in the water.