Gym Unhealthy ?

I've noticed that I often develop a runny nose and sniffles soon after rejoining the gym. But I need access to the machines, especially in cold weather.

unless you have lowered immunity or easily get sick i wouldnt worry about it.

i've been a gym goer all my adult life and i never wipe anything down and i've probably maybe had 10 colds in the past 20 years.

oh and when i lived in NYC i touched the pole too, with my bare hands :laugh:

i think the things that germaphobes dont realize is that germs can't live that long outside on their own for too long, but then again i guess like most phobia, it's less about using logic and reason and more about perceptions and emotions. also people sneeze and get the sniffles for a variety of reasons, not just germs :laugh:

with that said i prefer the gym because there's no way i could get all the equipment in my space on my budget.

its not the gym...its you. some people just have weaker immune systems.

Sometimes, the gym can be unpleasant. Going anywhere public can be unpleasant because people are rude, disgusting, inconsiderate, annoying...

but you have to take the bad with the good. By going to the gym, you open yourself to a variety of workouts. You could stay on the treadmill, or you could go over to the elliptical. You could do a boot camp routine that involves multiple activities in your 1 hour workout. You can use the weight machines or you could do free weight lifting. Depending on the gym you go to, there are classes available, or a swimming pool, or a basketball or tennis court.

Exercising outside is great, but if the weather is too hot, too cold, too stormy, then the gym is the way to go. If you do not live in a mansion that has space for all kinds of exercising equipment, then the gym is a great place. If you cannot afford to purchase thousands of dollars of equipment, then paying for a membership can be better for the budget.

If you are afraid of getting sick from going to the gym, you could always try taking precautions. Make sure you get your vitamins and other nutrients to keep your body and immune system top notch. In addition to cleaning the equipment you use, make sure you bring your own towel. You could use that towel to put a barrier between you and any floor mats that you use. Wash your hands before you leave, or bring hand sanitizer with you.

Although you might take all of these precautions and you may still end up sick, you can at least know this: your immune system will get stronger after every cold or virus.

I stress about gym germs too, but it's not gonna keep me from going. I haven't been able to come remotely close to the progress I've made since joining. I try my best to practice good gym hygiene. I make sure to wash my hands before and after, wash my gym clothes after each use and shower immediately after I get home. Even so, I know that won't totally protect me. I don't really care if it gives me the occasional cold. If I get warts or worse, I might rethink it.

I've totally gotten sick from gyms in the past. How could they not help pass all manner of bugs around? You've got recycled air, & people are releasing all kinds of things through breath and sweat; not everyone's conscientious about wiping down equipment; plus there's the die-hards who insist on going even with bronchitis.

I spray & wipe things before and after using them, and try to avoid touching my face. (I'll wipe sweat off my face with a paper towel, or the inside of my shirt if I have to). I lather my hands for 20 seconds and use hot water as *soon* as I'm done and shower at home.

I make myself forget this stuff to swim once a week (because of joints), but honestly, three out of the last six times I've gone, I've seen something disgusting in the pool. It's an effort. Not sure how much my flip flops protect me, but I wear them anyway

you're probably making yourself sick by using all those unnatural chemicals to wipe down everything you're afraid to touch

you're probably making yourself sick by using all those unnatural chemicals to wipe down everything you're afraid to touch

Lol, nope. Just got sick of getting sick at the gym. (I'm not OCD outside of it, btw, and use eco products and/or vinegar at home)

I do both: gym and outdoors, and sometimes home. I know that gym is not the healthiest place to be in and I choose to go there anyways.

Other thing is: watch those antibacterial gels that you're using. They might be causing your health problems.

I go to the gym all the time and I dont get sick. People are saying it may just be your gym. I beg to differ. I think it is just you. You probably get sick from going ANYWHERE...and if not it may be something in the gym that affects YOU or or could just be a coincidence. I am a firm beliver in cold does not make us sick. Being cold does not make us sick.. It is the virus that makes you sick. if you are freezing cold...you wont get sick if there is no virus present. I think my immune system is great, so if my daughter's. Every kid in her class can be sick and she will somehow be the only one still well. My point is it is likely you...as you continue to improve your health and the more you are exposed to the gym(if it is the gym anyway)...your body will get accustomed and will protect itself.

I personally think its better to do the actual genuine sport than fake it on a treadmill of stationary bike..yes you get less injury but you are not using propulsion or working your body as well.This is only my opinion. There nothing quite like running through country lanes with beautiful scenery.Also I find it less monotonous..You concentrate better too. Fresh air is great.I do also think air con makes us get cold etc.Being in close proximity to others sweating heavily and breathing heavily is bound to have some negative effects.

Faking the sport??

Many years ago, my dermatologist found that I had a fungus (sounds truly gross, doesn't it?) on my back that I picked up at the gym. I had to spray Tinactin on it for a month or so and it went away. At that time, I only cleaned the equipment when I was done using it. NOW i clean it before and after using it...every time. We have a circuit training area that has 10 machines and 10 steppers to be used in 30 minutes. In all my months of using it, I have seen maybe one other person cleaning them when they were done. It's just amazes me. And I also don't think people understand that you need to wipe it with a disinfectant...too many people I see wiping it down with the same sweaty towel that they wipe their faces with! That isn't cleaning the machine...that is just spreading your own sweat around!!! That being said...I just clean everything there, but I need to use it for all the equipment I don't have the room and $ for at home. I like to do my running/walking outdoors whenever possible, but I do live in FL and if I can't get out really early in the morning in the summer, I need the a/c at the gym.

Also I take Vitamin C every day and haven't gotten a cold in 10 years or more (knock on wood).