A bacteria called Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) has commonly been in the news for spreading complicated skin infections in hospitals and in the community. This bacterial infection can be highly resistant to some antibiotics and causes red, swollen, painful areas on the skin. Symptoms of more serious infection include chest pain, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. Due to concerns about infections, many gyms now provide cleaning supplies to wipe down equipment after use. A new study (from the University of Florida) looked at the germs present in 3 local gyms. They assessed the surfaces of mats, dumbbells, benches, cardio machines, and weight machines. Some samples were taken at random times, while others were taken after equipment had been cleaned. They found that none of their samples had MRSA or another category of Staphylococcus Aureus. The researchers suggested that gym surfaces don't appear to be a major location of these bacteria, and that putting your skin on these surfaces didn't seem to play a large role in passing these germs from person to person.
By keeping in mind basic hygiene and courtesy to other gym-goers, you should be able to experience only the cardio-protective, energy boosting, and mood-balancing affects of your work-out!
Information Sources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/videos/news/germy_gyms_031011.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004520/
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