by Depends on what you came to do. And on your disgust.
It should be said right away that there is no rule in gyms to lay a towel on the exercise machine. At the same time, some people do it. Some do not want to leave wet marks on the bench, others are worried that they might pick up some bacteria or viruses from other visitors.
Let’s figure out whether a towel can really protect you from illness or whether it’s just a matter of disgust.
Is it true that a towel can protect against infection by bacteria and viruses?
In one study, researchers checked four fitness centers in Memphis and found a wide variety of bacteria. The germs were everywhere: on the handles of the cardio machines, the dip bars, the dumbbells, the leg press machine , and, of course, on the door handles in the restrooms.
Most often, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter were found on various surfaces. All of these are opportunistic microbes. That is, they live on the skin or mucous membranes of healthy people and do not cause any problems. The danger threatens only those whose bodies are weakened, for example, by a serious illness or old age.
During another experiment in the hall, scientists also found different types of staphylococci and other bacteria, but did not find pathogenic ones. Also, more than half of the surfaces tested were contaminated with rhinoviruses. These are microbes that cause acute respiratory diseases.
Rhinoviruses can be transmitted through contact with an infected surface. So if you touched, for example, a dumbbell that an infected person used before you, and then scratched your eye or nose, you could get a cold .
So, there is indeed a chance of picking up some germs in the gym. But most of them are harmless to you. And a towel won’t save you from those that are dangerous.
People only put it on the bench, the seat of the exercise machine, and maybe a public rug. At the same time, germs accumulate on the handles, and on the door handles, and on the bars and dumbbells. That is, you will still come into contact with them.
If a person with a cold, flu or Covid comes to the gym, a towel on the bench will not help. All that remains is to rely on your immunity and not touch your face until you wash your hands.
But if you not only lay a towel on the bench, but also wipe sweat from your face with it, this already increases the risk of catching a virus. You definitely shouldn’t do this.
Can a towel prevent the transmission of skin diseases?
In theory, it’s possible. For example, trichophytosis, better known as ringworm, can be transmitted through surfaces. So if someone with the disease was lying on a bench before you, skin contact with the infected surface could result in the fungus being transmitted.
Also transmitted through objects is molluscum contagiosum. This is a viral infection that causes small hemispherical formations to appear on the skin.
Perhaps putting a towel on the bench can protect you from infection. At least if you are working out shirtless or in a very revealing T-shirt. If you are wearing a regular T-shirt and do not touch the bench with bare skin, a towel is unlikely to provide additional protection.
Do you need to lay down a towel so you don’t lie on someone else’s sweat and don’t leave your own?
If there’s sweat from someone else on the bench, you probably won’t want to lie down and lay down a towel. But you can ask the gym staff to wipe it down. Or at least find out where they keep sanitizer or wipes so you can do it yourself.
If you don’t want to leave wet marks , first of all, you’re doing well. Secondly, lay out a towel, but don’t wipe your face with it afterwards. And don’t forget to wash it after your workout.
By the way, you don’t have to do this in hot water. One old study showed that 30° C washes away bacteria just as effectively as higher temperatures. If you’re really worried, you can iron the towel afterwards – that’ll probably kill any remaining germs.
What’s the bottom line?
It is worth laying down a towel if you:
- You are very sweaty and don’t want to leave wet marks on the bench or rug.
- You exercise without a T-shirt, in a sports bra or tank top, and are afraid of catching a skin disease.
- You simply disdain to sit on exercise machines, lie down on benches and mats after other people. And with a towel you feel calmer.
In other cases, there is no point in laying down a towel. Just wipe away sweat with it and don’t throw it anywhere.
