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Gym Germs and Proper Sweatiquette

Yoga Mats (via cowbite)

I always knew yogis were dirty hippies, but now I have evidence to prove it! Coming in at number one on Shine’s “4 Germiest Places at the Gym” are the public yoga mats for class. Turns out they’re generally disinfected as frequently as the dumbbells (number two on the list, followed by stationary bike seats and the showers)… which is to say, probably never.  Along similar lines, Men’s Health has a short article on proper “sweatiquette,” which is pretty obvious and useless, except for the term “sweatiquette.” So I made up my own list!

Mr. Mohawk's Top 4 Ways to Avoid Germs at the Gym:

1. Disinfect your hands, equipment, mats, and partners/trainers before and after use. Alternatively, you can wrap yourself head to toe in gym towels, or wear a body condom.
2. Don’t shower at the gym. This helps for your commute home, since your feral BO will keep fellow, possibly sick and contagious, commuters at bay. 
3. Get personal training, as it limits contact with other gym goers. If you can’t afford this, try pulling the fire alarm right before class. If you time it right, you might be able to barricade an instructor in the gym or a classroom and get some free one-on-one time. 
4. Ask for another’s touch: Ask someone to start the treadmill for you because you’re new to the gym/machines. They’ll never know you’re maniacally manipulating them to keep your fingers germ free. Keep villainous laughter internal until you leave the gym. 

For a more detailed look at the grossness of gym mats and a high dose of paranoia, look here.