Job search
Job Search
Latest news
More news: (showing 1 - 20 of 13727)           
UK only International

ukactive urges gym-goers to follow hygiene advice following C4 investigation

By Deven Pamben    21 Jun 2017
ukacative said health club operators provided antibacterial wipes and hand sanitisers to clean down equipment after use

The risk of catching an infection from visiting a health club is "extremely low" despite a Channel 4 programme investigation that found some gym equipment had more types of bacteria on them than a toilet seat.

ukacative said its Code of Practice highlighted cleanliness and hygiene and that health club operators provided antibacterial wipes and hand sanitisers to clean down equipment after use.

On Monday evening (19 June), How To Stay Well asked the question "Are gyms bad for us?" Presenter Dr Javid Abdelmoneim wanted to find out if people were putting their health at risk by exercising in a gym.

Bacterial hotspots include surface areas such as weights, exercise mats, and running machines.

The programme investigated 11 gyms across the UK and took swabs from 32 different cardio machines, exercise mats and fitness machines. Dr Abdelmoneim then took a swab from a toilet seat.

The results showed 1,200 bacteria were found on the toilet seat swab but that 430,000 bacteria were found on a swab at one of the gyms. It also found that 70 per cent of the gyms investigated had more bacteria than the toilet seat.

Gut bacteria was found on both the toilet seat and in the gyms because people had not washed their hands after using the bathroom. Worryingly, the supergug MRSA was also found in one of the gym samples. The programme went on to add that catching MRSA in the gym was extremely low risk and that gym-goers should always clean machines before and after use, cover any broken skin and wash after every session.

In response to the programme, Pete Wells, ukactive head of standards, said: "There is a strong emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene in our ukactive Code of Practice, which our health club operators adhere to and many also provide antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser to clean down equipment after use. 

"This is a situation that you would likely find in most places - particularly on public transport - and highlights a wider public health issue on the importance of regularly washing our hands, something we must all take responsibility for.

"As the programme pointed out, the risk of infection at the gym is extremely low, whereas steering clear of regular exercise poses far more serious consequences for our health, such as increased risk of heart disease, cancers and type-II diabetes. Fortunately, if we stay active and follow standard hygiene advice, we can protect ourselves from all of these eventualities."

ukactive  Hygiene 
Sign up for FREE ezines
Related news

Company profile

Company profile: GLL
GLL
As the UK’s leading provider of both leisure centres and libraries, GLL operate nearly 400 locations all helping to make a real difference to local communities and local people.
View full profile >
More company profiles

Featured Supplier

Panatta to showcase innovation at major fitness and bodybuilding events in 2024
Panatta will consolidate its global presence throughout 2024 by attending a host of major industry events around the globe.
View full details >
More featured suppliers

Property & Tenders

Location: Loughton, IG10
Company: Knight Frank
Location: Grantham, Leicestershire
Company: Belvoir Castle
Location: Verwood, Dorset
Company: AVISON YOUNG
Location: Hall Place House, Bexley, DA5 1PQ
Company: London Borough of Bexley
Location: 15 Concessions across the nation's forests
Company: Forestry England
More properties & tenders

Diary dates

11-14 Apr 2024
Exhibition Centre , Cologne, Germany
22-24 Apr 2024
Galgorm Resort, York
10-12 May 2024
China Import & Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China
23-24 May 2024
Large Hall of the Chamber of Commerce (Erbprinzenpalais), Wiesbaden, Germany
More diary dates