Your home gym may have helped you stay sane while quarantined. After all, with limited ability to move around or interact with others, working out is proven to be an efficient and effective means of working off extra energy.

Then again, maybe it didn’t quite suit your fancy.

In any case, regardless of whether you actually step foot into your fitness space consistently, there is something you should still be doing in there on a regular basis: disinfecting and sanitizing.

HOMEMADE GYM, HOMEMADE BACTERIA

According to a study conducted in 2014, most physical fitness facilities in metropolitan areas reported a high variety of bacteria, ranging from Salmonella to Staphylococcus and more. And while you might find yourself saying, “Wait! But that was a study done on large gyms, not my small home gym,” we encourage you to take a look at what bacteria may still be growing in your own space.

For example, it would not be surprising to find Staphylococcus bacteria — or the bacteria that cause Staph infections — in your gym, as our body naturally produces Staphylococcus hominis through our apocrine glands while we sweat.

That is to say, your home gym will not be devoid of bacteria or germs just because it sees lower traffic in comparison to that of its commercial counterparts. Not only can you generate forms of bacteria yourself, but you can drag in airborne bacteria with you:

“Other attributes such as soil and outdoor air (by air conditioning), dust from human shoes, etc. could also serve as potential sources of harboring and transmission of various microorganisms in indoor environments,” as explained by the aforementioned study.

Thus, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends disinfecting all surfaces that see a high rate of physical contact — such as your gym equipment, medicine balls, or mats — on a daily basis.

HOW TO DISINFECT YOUR HOME GYM

While it may be tempting to simply clean the surfaces in your home gym with soap and water, it’s important to note that this is not the same as disinfecting or sanitizing your surfaces.

In fact, the CDC explains that the difference between cleaning and disinfecting is that cleaning simply “removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces,” whereas disinfecting will kill the germs themselves.

We recommend implementing the following procedures:

• Purchase an EPA-approved disinfectant to clean your surfaces and equipment.
• Wear gloves and any other protective clothing you may prefer to protect your skin and eyes.
• Apply the disinfectant by wiping downward in one direction as opposed to moving back-and-forth on all applicable surfaces.
• Make sure all surfaces and equipment dry completely, as remaining moisture may promote mold and mildew growth in your fitness space.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

In all, any bacteria or germs that are present in your home gym can easily be transferred to other areas of your home, as well as travel through the air, impeding your property’s overall air quality and posing a potential health hazard to your loved ones.

But if you’re seeking peace of mind, trusted solutions, and immediate answers, you can easily obtain all three by contacting Luce Air Quality, your local indoor environmental experts!

Luce Air Quality doesn’t just perform certified inspections — we also provide you with comprehensive plans of action that can help you optimize your home indoor air quality. Schedule with our team today by calling (904) 803-1014 or emailing info@luceairquality.com!