Health News Desk: Not only at home and office, we encounter germs everywhere. Bacteria are hidden in the switch board, door handle, wash basin, mop cloth, pillows, towels, comb, corners of the house, TV or AC, water bottle, fridge, sofa, floor, stairs, balcony, even telephone. Most bacteria are found on the toilet seat. However, a new study has cautioned gym goers. This study states that equipment like dumbbells used in gyms have 362 times more bacteria than toilet seats.
Bacteria everywhere in the gym
Studies have shown that gym equipment is full of harmful bacteria, which is dangerous for the health of gym goers. This can cause many types of health problems. Researchers at FitRated collected samples from 27 gym machines and found more than one million bacteria per square inch on each piece of equipment.
Danger from gym bacteria
The study showed that bacteria like gram-positive cocci can cause skin infections in gym goers. Antibiotic-resistant gram-negative rods were found on treadmills, exercise bikes and free weights. Specifically, free weights contain 362 times more bacteria than toilet seats, while treadmills contain 74 times more bacteria than public bathroom faucets.
Frequently used equipment is more dangerous
The study emphasizes that bacteria grow on gym equipment due to repeated use by many people. Despite many gyms providing disinfectant wipes, users often neglect to clean the equipment before and after use.