Don’t be afraid, but always use precaution…

The secret’s out. Anyone with a television set, computer, or cell phone (which pretty much means everyone) has heard of the viral disease Ebola that has been ravaging West Africa. Through a string of unfortunate events and circumstances the deadly disease has found it’s way to American soil and more than a few people have expressed concern about the potential outbreak of the virus to the public at large. Fear has escalated at an alarming rate. Ebola is as dangerous as it’s been hyped up to be. The virus could loom anywhere, a restaurant, office work space, a movie theater and a GYM.

While we are nowhere near the level of an epidemic – you are probably taking extra precautions when you are out in public. So surely the #1 concern for all you fitness buffs out there is this: how likely is it that the virus can be contracted in the gym?  Gyms are sweaty places packed with people after all. Should you be worried? The simple answer is – it depends. What does it depend on? Whether or not you have common sense.

Ebola is contracted by the transferring of bodily fluids. The disease can be transferred through direct contact with the mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, and mouth. Having open wounds also puts you at risk, so if you have a sore or a cut somewhere on your body you better cover it up. Here are some basic tips to stay disease and sickness free at the gym…
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Wash Your Hands or Use Sanitizer

Avoid spreading germs or kill any threats by being diligent about keeping your hands clean before, during, and after a tough workout.
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Wipe Down the Gym Equipment

Before or after using any of the equipment in the gym, it’s best that you wipe things down with a disinfectant. This ensures that the barbell you’re ready use will be germ free once you’re ready to hit the bench.
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Waterproof Bandages

If you have an open cut you better keep some waterproof bandages handy. Even if you somehow forget to wipe down a piece of equipment you don’t want any foreign fluids entering open wounds on your body.
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Wash Your Gym Gear

Once you’re done using some gym clothing, you better throw it in the wash to be sure you kill any germs that have gathered there. Burning them would be foolproof, but that may be a bit extreme.
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Shower Up

Once you’re done pumping up you better hit those showers ASAP. If you use the showers in the gym you’d also do well to wear some protective waterproof footwear. Not even your feet are safe from contracting something… so be smart, and wear the waterproof shoes.

YOU’RE PROBABLY SAFE FROM EBOLA

At the end of the day, your favorite gym is probably safe. Unless you see vomit lining the workout equipment or a crap stained bathroom – you are most likely safe as can be. It may sound like the zombie apocalypse on the news, but if you keep these simple hygiene tips in mind everything will be fine. Being careful with your hygiene is key to avoiding the sickness, something any gym rat should already know. Just remember, be smart. If you start feeling flu like symptoms and think you might have been exposed – seek medical attention right away. Be considerate of your fellow gym goers. Keep your bodily fluids to yourself and keep the Clorox wipes handy.

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