Exercise is an integral part of staying healthy and helping stave off disease. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all adults get at least 150 minutes of exercise every week. One of the main resources for achieving this goal are fitness centers and gyms across the country. Although the benefits of fitness centers are great, there are certain health risks associated with the facility that you should be aware of while working out.
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries largely include sprains and strains that occur due to pushing the ligaments, muscles or tendons farther than they can handle. Some of the most common areas where these injuries occur is around the joints including the ankles, knees, back, shoulders, wrists and neck.
Equipment
The equipment in a fitness center may also expose you to health risks through either malfunction of the equipment or misuse of the equipment. For example, equipment that is not kept up, broken or is close to breaking can cause serious injuries. Using fitness center equipment incorrectly, such as performing heavy lifts without a spotter or not following instructions for proper use, can also result in injury.
Fungus
Fungus is another health concern that can be found in most fitness centers and gyms, especially in the locker rooms and showers of the facility. Some of the more common fungi that can plague fitness centers include Tinea pedis, the fungus responsible for athlete's foot and Tinea corporis, the fungus responsible for ringworm. Infection risks are higher for those who walk barefoot in the locker room and showers.
Bacteria
Along with fungus, bacteria also often find a home in fitness centers. One of the largest and potentially most harmful concerns for bacteria is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, more commonly referred to as MRSA. MRSA is a strain of staph bacteria that can be spread through contact on shared sports equipment, suggests the National Institutes of Health, such as weights, ellipticals and treadmills. Infections are more common if you have open sores on your hands or feet. To combat possible infection, most gyms have antiseptic sprays and paper towels available to disinfect equipment before and after each use.
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