From dumbbells to gym benches: 5 surprisingly germy things at your gym

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You wipe down the treadmill before using it. You carry your own towel. You may even remember to wash your hands after a workout.But gyms have a funny way of making you forget about everything you touch between exercises.You grab a dumbbell, adjust the bench, check your phone, refill your bottle and head for the next machine. Most of these things are part of a normal workout, but they are also shared by dozens of people every day.Here are some of the germiest spots and objects in a gym that deserve a little more attention.Images: Canva (for representative purposes only)

You probably don’t think twice before picking up a dumbbell. After all, that’s what it’s there for.But free weights are handled constantly, often by people with sweaty hands. The knurling on barbells and textured surfaces on dumbbells can also make them harder to wipe properly.You don’t need to avoid them. Just avoid touching your face immediately after handling them, especially during a long workout.

The handles on treadmills, ellipticals, cycles and other machines are among the easiest things to overlook.People hold them while their hands are sweaty, then the next person comes along and does exactly the same thing. Some machines also have buttons and touchscreens that get pressed repeatedly throughout the day.A quick wipe before and after using shared equipment is a simple habit worth keeping.

The bench may look perfectly clean, but it comes into contact with a lot more than just your gym clothes.People lie down, sit on it and lean against it during different exercises. Sweat can also collect on the surface, particularly during busy hours.If you’re doing bench presses, dumbbell exercises or stretches, wiping the surface before using it is a small step that takes only a few seconds.

The workout doesn’t end when you leave the gym floor.Locker room benches, locker handles, taps and door handles are touched repeatedly throughout the day. Some are also used when people are sweaty or have just finished showering.This is one place where basic hygiene matters. Wash your hands after changing and try not to touch your face until you’ve done so.

This one is easy to forget because your phone feels personal.But if you’re checking messages between sets, changing a song or filming a workout, your phone is moving between your hands and gym equipment throughout the session. That means whatever is on those shared surfaces can end up on your phone too.And then the phone goes straight into your pocket, onto your desk, your bed or your dining table.Wiping your phone regularly and washing your hands after your workout can help break that cycle.