Hi all! I hope you had a great weekend, including lots of physical activity. This flu season has gotten me thinking of staying healthy at the gym. No matter how fun, friendly and invigorating the gym may be, there are also a lot of germs hanging around there, too. Here are some tips on staying healthy through flu season and beyond.
1. Ask gym management even before you join what their cleaning procedure is: how often the equipment, bathrooms, pool, and so on, are cleaned and what products are used.
2. Wash your hands often. Not only should you wash your hands after using the restroom, but also make it a point to wash them periodically during rest breaks and following your workout.
3. Clean equipment before and after you use it. Many gyms provide cleansing spray or you could also bring your own sanitary wipes. You can also bring a towel to use specifically for wiping down machines.
4. Get enough sleep. A good sleep schedule can help keep your immune system strong. The amount of sleep needed varies, but generally between 6 and 8 hours will help to keep you refreshed, alert and healthy in and out of the gym.
5. Wear clean clothes to the gym. Shower and change into another clean set of clothes after your workout. Bring bags to keep clean and dirty clothes separate.
6. Wear swim shoes in the shower at the gym to avoid germs that can cause Athlete's Foot and other infections. Flip flops are okay, too, but my husband slipped on his and cracked a couple of ribs, so I tend to be wary of recommending them. Also, keep your feet covered during exercise, too. The floors may look clean, but could be crawling with germs.
7. Bring your own mat for floor exercises. Although gyms often provide mats, that doesn't mean they are clean. Be safe by providing your own and clean it regularly with soap and water. Dry it completely before use.
8. Bring a water bottle instead of using the water fountain. You never know whose lips have touched the spout.
9. Bring a towel to wipe down your face when it gets all sweaty. This can help reduce the amount of sweat that drips onto the equipment.
10. Keep on exercising as it can help boost your immunity. When I exercise regularly, I hardly ever get sick. Don't push too hard, though. Overdoing exercise can compromise your immune system. Find a happy medium that both challenges you and keeps you healthy.
Comments are always welcome. Leave them below or email them to me. Thanks. Have a great week!
