Many of us join a gym in order to live a healthier lifestyle. The gym can be an invigorating and enthusiastic atmosphere, but there are also a lot of germs flying around. It's already challenging to work out regularly when the days are dark, cold, and short, and the last thing any of us needs is an illness to force us off track. Help protect yourself (and others!) with these tips:

Leave your germs at the door: There is a hand sanitizer station located to the left of the door just inside the entrance on 22nd Street in order to help you get a clean, fresh start right when you enter or leave the gym. We have also placed a hand sanitizer station by the front desk, on top on the black filing cabinets on the gym floor, and inside the group exercise studio.

Clean off equipment: Our gym equipment is cleaned on a regular basis, but it's still a good idea to play it safe.  Before and after you use equipment, especially cardio machines and benches, wipe it off with the cleaning supplies provided at 19 different stations throughout the gym. In our class studios we have cleaning supplies to wipe down the provided mats before and after use.  You may, however, want to bring your own mat from home for class. Either way, just make sure you remember to clean it!  For those interested, there are also special mats you can buy that help prevent bacterial growth. 

Wash your gear: Dirty, dark, moist gym bags provide the perfect petri dish for fungi. There are several ways to avoid contaminating your gym bag, like putting your dirty clothes in a plastic bag after changing. If you are not going to throw them in the wash immediately, allow them to dry out before putting them in the laundry hamper. And don't forget about your sneakers! About once a week, wipe them off with a disinfecting wipe (including the bottoms) and let them air dry before using them again.

Buy a better bottle: Since plastic water bottles tend to hold bacteria, try switching over to a metal or glass bottle. To clean it properly, just wash it in hot, soapy water on a regular basis.