‘Tis the season to get working on that summer bod, but new research may scare you right out of the gym as it shows just how much bacteria is lurking on all that sweaty, shared gym equipment.
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FitRated gathered bacteria samples from 27 different pieces of gym equipment at three different gyms to see just what else you’re picking up along with those free weights.
It turns out a regular exercise bike has 39 times more bacteria than a reusable cafeteria tray, while your trusty dumbbells have 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.
Yep. A toilet seat.
And okay, so not all bacteria are bad, right? Well, of all the nasties FitRated found on gym equipment 70% were potentially harmful to humans.
The most dangerous bacteria found, which could cause skin infections and various illnesses, lived on the treadmill, so at least you’ve got a great excuse to give up cardio.
FitRated recommend disinfecting machines before and after use, avoiding walking barefoot in the gym, washing your hands, and changing your clothes immediately after exercising.
Or, you could invest in a hazmat suit and never touch anything in your gym ever again.
Looks like our fitness dreams are over before they even began. Oh well.