Gyms rank second among places most likely to contract monkeypox.（Data Sources） You go to the gym to burn calories, increase your strength, and stay fit -- but if you're not careful, you might come home with more than you think. Every time you lift weights or grab the handlebars of an exercise bike, you can risk illness or infection. While many public spaces can harbor germs, fitness facilities can be hotspots for germs.

Monkeypox is spreading globally, with new cases emerging daily in the United States.

Do You Need to Worry About Monkeypox at the Gym？

Since infection can spread through close physical contact, including prolonged contact with infected materials such as sheets and clothing, concerns about exposure to the virus at the gym are reasonable. Unfortunately, bodybuilders are inconsistent with cleaning equipment before and after use (at best).

What is monkeypox？

Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease with symptoms in humans similar to those seen in the past in patients with smallpox. But since the world eradicated smallpox in 1980, smallpox has ceased to exist, and monkeypox is still rife in parts of Africa.

The 2022 monkeypox outbreak was first detected in the UK on May 7, 2022, at local time. On May 20, local time, with more than 100 confirmed and suspected monkeypox cases in Europe, and the World Health Organization confirmed that an emergency meeting on monkeypox was held.

On May 29, 2022, local time, WHO issued a disease information circular and assessed monkeypox's global public health risk as moderate.

According to the Russian Satellite News Agency, on June 24, 2022, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the number of confirmed cases of monkeypox in the world had exceeded 3,200. 

How is monkeypox spread？

Monkeypox is spread through close contact between the rash and a contaminated object; although there is a risk of transmission through the latter route, it is not as good as direct contact with the inflammation. " 

Most monkeypox cases currently recorded in the United States are associated with close physical contact, including sexual relations. This inaccurately leads many to believe that monkeypox is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Any close physical contact, including non-sexual contact, can lead to transmission. The virus can also be spread by touching contaminated objects, although the risk is much lower this way.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox？

Monkeypox can start spreading in the earliest stages of the disease, feeling like the flu, until the lesions or scabs have all fallen off. The infectious period can be as long as 28 days. Since the initial stages of an illness may feel like other illnesses, including COVID-19, until a rash appears, it is wise to continue to learn from the pandemic; do not go out or use the gym when you are sick.

How to protect yourself from monkeypox at the gym?

Protecting yourself from monkeypox, especially in the gym, starts with hygiene. Wash your hands before and after exercise, and wipe down all equipment you use before and after each workout.

A report from the fitness equipment review site FitRated.com tested 27 pieces of fitness equipment at three gyms in the United States.

The golden rule of gym etiquette: Wipe down your equipment.

If you want to protect yourself further, although transmission through contaminated surfaces is less likely than close physical contact, you can try wearing clothing that covers your skin well and between yourself and the equipment you use; it builds a barrier. Remove your clothes and place them in a basket when you get home. 

Conclusion

Risk of contracting monkeypox at the gym. Be sure to sanitize the machine before and after using it, never walk around barefoot, don't touch your face, and wash your hands and change your gym clothes immediately after exercising. 

Another foolproof way to avoid gym bacteria: Invest in the best home gym equipment so you can work out from the comfort of your own home. IFAST has been committed to creating your entire room. We provide all in one gym equipment, exercise bike, adjustable dumbbell, barbell and so on. 

Building your home gym is the best option for your health during this particular time!