5 Top Tips for Minimising the Spread of Bacteria in Your Gym

With an estimated 145 million people attending over 200,000 health clubs worldwide, ensuring the health and safety of staff and gym-goers remains of paramount importance. A staggering 70% of bacteria found on gym equipment in a recent study was found to be potentially harmful to people, with 41% having the potential to cause skin infections or pneumonia. With this in mind, we have compiled some of our top tips to minimise the spread of bacteria in your gym, based on our 30-year experience in the fitness sector.

Cover Pads and Seating in Antimicrobial Fabric

Covering your gym pads and equipment in antimicrobial fabrics, like the ones used here at Gym Wizard, provide long-lasting protection from bacteria, organisms, and mould. Our vinyl is easy to clean, built to last, and can be one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to minimise the spread of bacteria and viral diseases.

Disinfect Equipment

Hundreds of people will use the equipment in an average gym every day, placing them as one of the high-risk locations for germs. ‘Hot-spots’ include treadmills, exercise bikes, cardio equipment and weights. Due to their curved edges and unusual shape, dumbbells and free weights are often cleaned incorrectly, and have been found to have 362 times more germs than the average toilet seat. To help minimise the spread of bacteria, sanitising wipes should be made available across the facility. Gym-goers should be advised to wipe down equipment before and after use to minimise the build-up of sweat and bacteria, as well as to help prolong the lifetime of equipment.

Install Sanitising Stations

The impact of Coronavirus has seen many gyms and fitness centres install hand sanitiser stations throughout. Not only does this show your consideration for the health and safety of your customers and staff, but it is a way to reassure them that you are doing everything you can to keep them safe from infections. Sanitising stations are most commonly found at entrances and exits, high-traffic areas, and by popular workout equipment and are available in a range of hanging and free-standing formats.

Make a Cleaning Schedule

A cleaning schedule or rota should be put in place to ensure that all equipment is cleaned on a regular basis to help protect both customers and staff. A clean premises is a guaranteed way to improve customer satisfaction, with customer retention rates at an unclean facility falling from 90% to 52% according to a recent IHRSA survey. Employees should be trained to correctly clean a range of equipment, as well as how to identify if it is damaged or faulty, with extra care taken in high-traffic areas.

Set Rules for Changing Rooms, Showers and Breakout Areas

Naturally, changing rooms are one of the most germ-prevalent areas of a gym. Microbes multiply at a quicker rate in confined spaces, while the often adjoined shower facilities create a damp atmosphere that encourages bacterial growth. To help minimise the spread of germs, a cleaning schedule should be followed at all times, with cleaning products designed for changing and shower facilities used wherever possible. Gym users should also be politely reminded to act responsibly, including wiping down the area that they have been using, wearing shower shoes, and cleaning up any towels, clothes, and washing products.

Our sister company Medi Wizard specialises in the repair and reupholstery of medical-grade furniture and treatment tables. For more information, visit: https://medi-wizard.co.uk/