Wiping down the equipment at the gym may not be enough to keep you from getting sick, according to a new study.
Fitrated, which reviews fitness equipment, gathered bacteria samples from 27 different pieces of gym equipment at three different gyms to find out how many germs you may get when using the equipment. The results may surprise you.
According to Fitrated's study, the normal exercise bike has 39 times more bacteria than a reusable cafeteria tray and a treadmill has 74 times more bacteria than a water faucet. What might be the most surprising number is that the free weights have 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.
Fitrated does offer some ways to protect yourself at the gym. It said to disinfect machines before and after you use them, never walk barefoot, don't touch your face, and always wash your hands and change your clothes immediately following the workout.
