We feel amazing during and after an exercising session at the gym, sports club, or during P.E. Meanwhile, sadly, germs might be lurking everywhere on sweaty clothes, towels, and exercise equipment. The exercise session might just be a fungal skin infection waiting to happen.
Fungal infections are quite common in adults and children, and can come in many forms such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm (which is a fungus and not a worm despite its name), and yeast infections.
With these few simple hygiene tips, you can lower your risk of contracting an infection:
1. Wash your hands
Wash your hands before and after working out with cold or warm water. Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap, rinse, and then finish off by drying your hand well.
2. Sanitize like you mean it
If you can’t wash your hands, use a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, rub it well between your hands, and try not to miss a spot. Also, try to wipe down the equipment and mats with a disinfectant spray or wipe.
3. Don’t share personal care items
Sharing towels, water bottles, soap, razor, combs, brushes, and even make-up make it easier to spread infections.
4. Wear it and then toss it in laundry
Wash and dry your clothes each time you wear them when you workout. This rule also should also apply to swimsuits and socks.
5. Shield your feet
Wear water shoes or flip flops when you shower at the health club, and then dry your feet thoroughly especially between the toes. You can also use antifungal powder for extra protection.
6. Cover your wounds
If you have an infection or a wound, make sure to cover it with a bandage until it heals.
7. Don’t wait to Shower
It might be tempting to lounge on the couch to recuperate from a workout, but germs love sweaty clothes. Shower right after exercising, and use a clean towel to dry your body.
Enjoy your germ-free workouts!