Post-workout Fingernails: A Breeding Ground for Bacteria

The start of the new year means more people are heading to the gym and picking up weights — and increasing their risk of picking up and spreading germs.

Talk about getting down and dirty. The results aren’t pretty. New research found pesky little bacteria lurking under fingernails long after the end of a workout.

The Risks of Post-Workout Bacteria

Working out can lead to excessive bacteria growth that’s dirtier than a toilet seat, but better hygiene can prevent this. Fingernail swabs from four individuals who had completed an hour-long workout showed bacteria levels up to 10 times dirtier than the average toilet seat, according to a lab study from the sports betting site Stake. The results revealed a plethora of germs, including staphylococcus, enterococcus, bacillus and E. coli, which can cause skin infections, rashes and more.

Sources of Bacteria

These likely stem from using the same equipment and sweaty mats as hundreds of other gym-goers. Even if your fingernails look clean after training, they could still be harboring more than 15,000 colony-forming units per swab — levels that exceed an airplane tray table.

Common Mistakes that Lead to Bacteria Growth

No need to cancel your gym membership, though. Personal trainer Lee Mitchell shared the top five mistakes that lead to those microscopic health hazards.

Leaving Equipment Dirty

You’ve just finished a sweaty set on an exercise bench. Before you move on to your next exercise, give the bench and any other equipment you used a quick cleanup. Not only do the microscopic microbes left behind thrive in warm, sweaty environments, but they can also linger on surfaces for hours. Mitchell told The Post you should “always disinfect equipment before and after use with sprays and wipes.”
Make sure to give any equipment you used a quick clean afterwards to properly kill bacteria from sweat. After cleaning the equipment, wait about two minutes for the cleanser to properly kill bacteria, Melanie McNeal, physical and occupational therapy manager at the Baylor College of Medicine, previously told The Post.

Touching Your Face

While it’s tempting to wipe away sweat from your face or eyes during a tough session, resist the urge. This is also true if you’re trying to avoid a cold after someone sneezes or coughs on you, as this can spread germs faster by exposing them to your ears, eyes, nose and mouth. “Each touch can transfer germs directly from your hands to sensitive areas,” Mitchell said. “Keep a clean towel handy.”

Sharing Personal Items

We’ve been told it’s nice to share, but sharing germs isn’t very nice since sweat, skin cells and microbes can linger on shared items. “Lending or borrowing towels, gloves or water bottles is a fast track for germs to move between people,” Mitchell said. Use your own gear and don’t loan it out to protect yourself and everyone around you.

Keeping Nails Long

Apologies to those who love long nails. Leaving fingernails long provides a perfect hiding spot for bacteria, yeast and even traces of E. coli — especially when in warm gym environments that foster sweat and humidity. Trimming your nails and cleaning under the cuticles regularly with a small brush can stop germs from growing and spreading.

Not Washing Your Hands

Another key tip to kill germs and prevent colds or infections is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Don’t have immediate access to a sink? Carry hand sanitizer to keep hands clean on the go, Mitchell advises. And if you do a full wash after your workout, wear flip-flops, as gym showers are notorious breeding grounds for mold, fungi and other bacteria that can infect feet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, post-workout fingernails can be a breeding ground for bacteria, but by being aware of the common mistakes that lead to bacteria growth and taking steps to prevent them, you can keep yourself and those around you healthy and safe.

FAQs

Q: How often should I clean my equipment after use?
A: You should clean your equipment after every use to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Q: Can I share my personal items with my gym buddy?
A: No, it’s not recommended to share personal items such as towels, gloves, or water bottles as they can harbor bacteria and other germs.
Q: How long should I wash my hands for?
A: You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water to effectively kill bacteria.
Q: Can I use hand sanitizer if I don’t have access to a sink?
A: Yes, hand sanitizer can be used as an alternative to washing your hands with soap and water.
Q: Why is it important to trim my fingernails?
A: Trimming your fingernails can help prevent bacteria from growing and spreading, especially in warm and humid environments like the gym.