Sport is good but … attention to changing rooms, the kingdom of funguses and bacteria
Physical activity is a panacea that can restore the energy to both the body and the mind. There are no contraindications to physical activity but those ones dictated by the common sense, which suggests not to strive beyond our means. Outdoor sports has the obvious advantage of “recharging the batteries”, wiping out stress, anger and sadness immediately; but, finding adequate areas next to our home could become an issue, especially in towns where traffic and smog are such as to take down athletic ambitions even to the most motivated athletes. If we add that climatic conditions are not always favorable, gyms and swimming pools have now, not surprisingly, become a place of worship for people of all ages passionate about sport.
In attending such sport facilities, we should remember that changing rooms, swimming pools and shower rooms are ideal habitats for the proliferation of all those funguses, germs and bacteria that are potentially responsible for any kind of infections. For this reason we should be very careful. In the water of swimming pools some chlorine-resistant germs that cause diarrhea could be present, while water tanks often host bacteria that are responsible for skin infections.
Funguses, germs and bacteria also grow undisturbed in the micro pools of water that are very frequently present in locker rooms and in shower rooms. The hot and humid conditions of many gyms, pools and locker rooms, where the stagnation of water is frequent, facilitate the proliferation of microbes and, consequently, augment the risk of contracting infections. The fact that many persons, especially sweaty ones, make use of the same premises and tools increases such a risk, to which children are obviously more exposed than adults.
We have to be careful also about the origin of some diseases such as “athlete’s foot” (it is a fungus infection that causes itching and small sores on the skin, generally between the fingers) or the warts (infections caused by a virus – papilloma viruses – that is hosted mostly on feet, hands, knees and elbows).
The thorough cleaning and disinfection of the environment with suitable products represent the main preventing actions for our health in gyms and swimming pools.
Therefore, the first fundamental prevention measure is choosing a gym where basic hygiene rules are cared about, first of all a serious daily cleaning, both to the sports equipment and to the whole facility.
To choose a place and before enrolling it is recommendable to ask someone you know that already knows the structure or to see the place by yourself.
Anyway, hereafter there are a few simple & common sense rules to prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Make a careful choice for the clothing to be used in the gym. First of all, wear a comfortable clothing that permits perspiration and therefore facilitates dispersion of heat. Do not forget to carry slippers, rubber shoes, bathrobe, a towel for the face and another one large enough to be laid down on benches during exercise, a clean complete change. Remember to carry also a change of socks and shoes, as it is preferable to differentiate the socks and the shoes worn for the physical activity from those used to go around.
Last but not least, it is very advisable to sanitize the tools with a proper product (in spray can or in tissue paper) before using them.
During
Never walk barefoot to avoid contact with the germs and bacteria that might be on tools or carpets.
Use a bandage to protect any small wounds, scratches or cracks that might become infected.
Fitness tools are used by many people; thus, it is very recommended to adopt a fairly large towel to cover the benches on which you can lay or sit during the exercise. This is a very important to safeguard your health and it is a mark of respect for those who will use that tool after you. Before and after swimming in the pool, disinfect feet with a specific sanitizing product generally present in all changing rooms.
After
If you decide to take a shower, remember to wear always your slippers or rubber socks.
Use a bathrobe or a clean towel to dry yourself thoroughly. Make children accustomed to use always their own bathrobe or towel only, avoiding to lend or to exchange it with fellows.
Make sure that after showering, before putting socks and shoes, your feet are completely dry. In fact, the hot-humid environment that is created when shoes fit with wet feet helps microbial proliferation.
The sweaty clothes and slippers used in the locker room should be stored in a plastic bag, so as not to smudge the gym bag.
… And once at home, before the well-deserved rest.
The bags used to carry out physical activity are real repositories for germs and bacteria; also bathrobes, wet towels and dirty laundry represent an ideal place to grow and multiply for germs, bacteria and microorganisms. Therefore, it is a good practice to empty the gym bag immediately and to put all dirty and sweaty clothes to wash. Also the bag should be sanitized at least once a month (it is advisable to opt for a model that can be easily washed in the washing machine).
Did you know that…?
In ancient times Gymnasium was used not only to temper the body, but it was also a place for meetings and social relationships, where physical education was linked to spirituality (mens sana in corpore sano).
(Article from: Swimming pools and gyms: the kingdom of fungi and bacteria)