To Sanitize or Not to Sanitize?

I only do it afterwards unless i'm using a machine right after someone else and I see they don't wipe or don't wipe all their sweat off. I think it's personal preference.

It seems people sanitize the cardio machines like mad. Sometimes people will sanitize the weights, but not as often. I personally don't care if people clean them. I touch door handles after others do, whatever. If there's a puddle of sweat, I'll clean it just for the visual ew factor.

I would eat a slice of pizza off the bench without sanitizing it. Honestly, I'd rather sit in normal human bacteria than the chemicals in those bottles. I don't sanitize anything and don't really believe in it. If there's a visible pool of sweat on the equipment I'll wipe it with the butt of my shorts, the knee of my sweats, or a paper towel if it's really, really close by.

Most people in states are very "germ phobic" and so you'll constantly hear about "OMG that person didn't wiped the machines!". I personally don't care. I wipe the machines but sometimes I don't. Re-racking weights. Now thats something you should always do! Its just plain rude not to!

I would eat a slice of pizza off the bench without sanitizing it. Honestly, I'd rather sit in normal human bacteria than the chemicals in those bottles. I don't sanitize anything and don't really believe in it. If there's a visible pool of sweat on the equipment I'll wipe it with the butt of my shorts, the knee of my sweats, or a paper towel if it's really, really close by.

this.

Its better for you to be brave and expose your immune system to normal bacteria. Just like a muscle, use it or lose it. Unless you're immune deficient due to a medical condition.

I worry because I take a strong medicine that really lowers my immune system, as you suggested.

I got flu and pneumonia very badly and I kind of think it was from the gym since others were sick at that time too.

I don't sanitize and have never seen anyone else do that either. Man up!

well gyms may have Terms and Conditions so you have to abide by them, ours states you must wipe down any sweat left on machines after use with either a towel that is compulsory anyway or disposable hand towels that are stationed all over the gym.

Personally i do just that, if there's visible sweat i wipe it down it's common courtesy not to mention sweat = slipping and irritation.

wear gloves too even if only to increase your grip and in the change rooms use footwear like thongs, it's not a matter of sucking it up it's a matter of trying to reduce the likelehood of getting fungal diseases like Tinea and sweat rashes which are very irritating.

I don't sanitise anything, throwing the workout clothes in a washing basket and having a shower after the gym is more than sufficient. Sanitising equipment seems like a germophobe thing to do.

I worry because I take a strong medicine that really lowers my immune system, as you suggested.

I got flu and pneumonia very badly and I kind of think it was from the gym since others were sick at that time too.

But the chances of getting them from just used gym equipment is very low compared to actually being near or having contact with people who are carrying the virus. I would advise that you steer clear of enclosed environments that harbor lots of people around the flu season. You'll just have to find a safer way to exercise.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I worry because I take a strong medicine that really lowers my immune system, as you suggested.

I got flu and pneumonia very badly and I kind of think it was from the gym since others were sick at that time too.

But the chances of getting them from just used gym equipment is very low compared to actually being near or having contact with people who are carrying the virus. I would advise that you steer clear of enclosed environments that harbor lots of people around the flu season. You'll just have to find a safer way to exercise.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Yes, buuuuuuuut - many people do not like flying because they feel the enclosed space is a germ factory. Yet, when examined more closely, most people become ill, not from recirc'd air or tight space, but in fact from arm rests, overhead bin handles and seat belt buckles. Same with winter upticks in colds and flus. Not so much due to being inside in 'stale air' but more so due to light switches, faucet and door handles, etc.

And it's not the sweat off a butt that concerns me - it's the hands that were there previously. Blech!

Sorry, but you can touch all the light switches, door knobs, etc. but the viruses don't transmit through the skin. It's transmitted when it goes into mucus membranes and that's usually because people who get it aren't washing their hands before touching these areas.
And I would disagree that people aren't more susceptible to cold's and flu from being in enclosed areas with people who are infected with the viruses.
Just washing ones hands after having contact reduces contamination by 58%-83%. Now that's not to say that one CAN'T get a virus from transmission from a contaminated area, but the likely hood of getting from an infected person who sneezes or coughs is much, much, much higher than from places that have been touched by the same person.

I'd like to see the study you speak of showing that surfaces on planes are more a cause for illness than actual contact with ill people. Please link it.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I worry because I take a strong medicine that really lowers my immune system, as you suggested.

I got flu and pneumonia very badly and I kind of think it was from the gym since others were sick at that time too.

But the chances of getting them from just used gym equipment is very low compared to actually being near or having contact with people who are carrying the virus. I would advise that you steer clear of enclosed environments that harbor lots of people around the flu season. You'll just have to find a safer way to exercise.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Yes, buuuuuuuut - many people do not like flying because they feel the enclosed space is a germ factory. Yet, when examined more closely, most people become ill, not from recirc'd air or tight space, but in fact from arm rests, overhead bin handles and seat belt buckles. Same with winter upticks in colds and flus. Not so much due to being inside in 'stale air' but more so due to light switches, faucet and door handles, etc.

And it's not the sweat off a butt that concerns me - it's the hands that were there previously. Blech!

Sorry, but you can touch all the light switches, door knobs, etc. but the viruses don't transmit through the skin. It's transmitted when it goes into mucus membranes and that's usually because people who get it aren't washing their hands before touching these areas.
And I would disagree that people aren't more susceptible to cold's and flu from being in enclosed areas with people who are infected with the viruses.
Just washing ones hands after having contact reduces contamination by 58%-83%. Now that's not to say that one CAN'T get a virus from transmission from a contaminated area, but the likely hood of getting from an infected person who sneezes or coughs is much, much, much higher than from places that have been touched by the same person.

I'd like to see the study you speak of showing that surfaces on planes are more a cause for illness than actual contact with ill people. Please link it.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I don't have any links. I made all that stuff up. As a nurse, I have NO experience in any of this. Was my attempt a noble concerted effort at least?

That's why I asked for a link. If it's credible I'd like to see it.

Precisely. Cover mouth/rub eye/pick nose THEN touch surface. Surface retouched by another and introduced via cover mouth/rub eye/pick nose.

Again, compared to actual coughing and sneezing, it's low. Keep one's hands clean and it's usually not an issue.

And how many people on a given day do you stand next to as they profusely and sloppily cough, spit and sneeze within 3 feet of you? Because, even as a nurse, I'm not exposed to that kind of disgusting nastiness. So what are you doing??

Strawman argument. The debate is comparing viruses on inanimate surfaces or viruses in the air. What you or I do personally doesn't matter because we probably weren't included in a peer reviewed study.

Dude, just google it. There are HUNDREDS of articles, links, blah blah blah double blind random n=1,000,000,000 studies. Seriously. It's not air - it's wet, snotty, nasty touching. YUM!!

Burden of proof is on you. I didn't make the claim, which is why I asked for a link. But I'll give you mine since I made a point.

People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.

(To avoid this, people should stay away from sick people and stay home if sick. It also is important to wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Eating utensils can be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap and do not need to be cleaned separately. Further, frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at home, work and school, especially if someone is ill.)

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Honestly sanitizing (unless you work in a hospital setting gym like me) doesn't do much since when you sweat you activate more bacteria on your own body compared to what's on equipment. Sweat is odorless, it's the bacteria that causes the odor.
Just make sure to thoroughly wash you hands after your session and wipe down the equipment after use.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

so you are advising her not to wipe the equipment off before and or after she is done with it????

I worry because I take a strong medicine that really lowers my immune system, as you suggested.

I got flu and pneumonia very badly and I kind of think it was from the gym since others were sick at that time too.

But the chances of getting them from just used gym equipment is very low compared to actually being near or having contact with people who are carrying the virus. I would advise that you steer clear of enclosed environments that harbor lots of people around the flu season. You'll just have to find a safer way to exercise.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Yes, buuuuuuuut - many people do not like flying because they feel the enclosed space is a germ factory. Yet, when examined more closely, most people become ill, not from recirc'd air or tight space, but in fact from arm rests, overhead bin handles and seat belt buckles. Same with winter upticks in colds and flus. Not so much due to being inside in 'stale air' but more so due to light switches, faucet and door handles, etc.

And it's not the sweat off a butt that concerns me - it's the hands that were there previously. Blech!

Sorry, but you can touch all the light switches, door knobs, etc. but the viruses don't transmit through the skin. It's transmitted when it goes into mucus membranes and that's usually because people who get it aren't washing their hands before touching these areas.
And I would disagree that people aren't more susceptible to cold's and flu from being in enclosed areas with people who are infected with the viruses.
Just washing ones hands after having contact reduces contamination by 58%-83%. Now that's not to say that one CAN'T get a virus from transmission from a contaminated area, but the likely hood of getting from an infected person who sneezes or coughs is much, much, much higher than from places that have been touched by the same person.

I'd like to see the study you speak of showing that surfaces on planes are more a cause for illness than actual contact with ill people. Please link it.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I don't have any links. I made all that stuff up. As a nurse, I have NO experience in any of this. Was my attempt a noble concerted effort at least?

That's why I asked for a link. If it's credible I'd like to see it.

Precisely. Cover mouth/rub eye/pick nose THEN touch surface. Surface retouched by another and introduced via cover mouth/rub eye/pick nose.

Again, compared to actual coughing and sneezing, it's low. Keep one's hands clean and it's usually not an issue.

And how many people on a given day do you stand next to as they profusely and sloppily cough, spit and sneeze within 3 feet of you? Because, even as a nurse, I'm not exposed to that kind of disgusting nastiness. So what are you doing??

Strawman argument. The debate is comparing viruses on inanimate surfaces or viruses in the air. What you or I do personally doesn't matter because we probably weren't included in a peer reviewed study.

Dude, just google it. There are HUNDREDS of articles, links, blah blah blah double blind random n=1,000,000,000 studies. Seriously. It's not air - it's wet, snotty, nasty touching. YUM!!

Burden of proof is on you. I didn't make the claim, which is why I asked for a link. But I'll give you mine since I made a point.

People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.

(To avoid this, people should stay away from sick people and stay home if sick. It also is important to wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Eating utensils can be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap and do not need to be cleaned separately. Further, frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at home, work and school, especially if someone is ill.)

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

This summarizes my point exactly: "Further, frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at home, work and school [and gym], especially if someone is ill"

The end.

Classic adding "gym" in there. I very rarely see someone who has a fever, hacking cough and obviously weakened from illness hitting the gym to ensure they got their exercise in :laugh:

But going off on tangents seems your style so to readdress your quote

Yet, when examined more closely, most people become ill, not from recirc'd air or tight space, but in fact from arm rests, overhead bin handles and seat belt buckles. Same with winter upticks in colds and flus. Not so much due to being inside in 'stale air' but more so due to light switches, faucet and door handles, etc.

Now according to the CDC it's "less" often that people obtain a virus from a surface, compared to "air" contact. You're going to disagree with the CDC on this?

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I wipe down after I work out. Its the polite thing to do. Just like putting something back where you found it.

This. I always feel like I'm doing everyone else a favor. :laugh:

The only time I would say wipe everything down before you start is if there is an outbreak of some sort. this happened at my high school one year and a lot of people got skin rashes. no bueno.