Gyms are obviously going to have some dirt and grime in them--they're gyms! But have you ever wondered what the dirtiest part of the gym would be?
Researchers from Portugal and Holland decided to place air quality monitors in gyms all over Lisbon to look at the indoor environments. They measured a handful of dangerous gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and ozone, dust, and other chemicals coming from the carpet, cleaning products, as well as paint.
They focused their efforts on the busiest time of day--like the after-work rush--to get the most significant readings.
According to Shape Magazine, "What they found will make you want to hold your breath during your next weight set, no matter what your trainer says: high levels of pollutants that exceeded all the safety standards for indoor air quality."
While high levels of CO2 are not that surprising as it's produced when people breathe hard and fast, and can easily accumulate in small spaces, it still has some pretty detrimental effects.
"CO2 on its own can cause fatigue, light-headedness, and foggy thinking but working out magnifies the detrimental effects, says Carla Ramos," Carla Ramos, the lead author of the study, explains. “When we exercise, we take in more air with each breath and most of that air goes through the mouth, bypassing the natural filtration system in the nostrils. The pollutants go deeper into the lungs compared to resting situations.”
Ramos is not recommending that you forfeit your indoor exercises or quit your gym membership--especially with the upcoming winter months. "This should be a wake-up call for the fitness industry to make sure gyms are properly ventilated and cleaned so that clients have a safe space that will help them achieve their healthy goals. If you're worried about your gym, have a chat with the manager about ways to improve air circulation and cleaning."
What do you think about this new study? Let us know your thoughts and reactions in the comments!
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