Newbie Question
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Newbie Question
| Wed, 08-03-2005 - 2:38pm |
Hi everyone!
I just joined the Y and I'm completely new to the whole gym scene. At my orientation, I asked the trainer if I should wipe down each machine after I use it. She said I don't really have to since I'm not actually sweating onto the machine. I see a lot of other people walking around with paper towel and cleaning spray however, and I feel funny not doing it. I wear long pants and don't actually leave any sweat behind (yet, anyway.) What's the protocol for this? I don't want to get a bad reputation right off the bat!
Thanks! This is a great board.

I think you're sweating profusely, it's polite to go ahead and clean off the machine that you've just used. Assuming you're mostly covered (i.e. - wearing only a sports bra and then leaning up against a seat back/bench/whatever), it's probably fine.
Some people are germ freaks and they will go around and clean everything before and after they use it. However, this isn't necessary and unless you've joined the Gym for Obssessive-Compulsives, you should be fine. :)
Welcome to the board... and yes, it's a great board. Please feel free to jump in on any of our discussions!
If I sweat in the least bit, I will wipe the bench even if I don't see sweat on the bench. I rarely wipe down cardio macines, except the bike, because I don't touch anything. If I am sick or my kids are sick I wipe down everything i touch out of courtesy.
Paula
Welcome!
Here's another question that may seem kind of silly. Do you get a new paper towel for each machine? I'm noticing that some of the guys just spray the paper towel and carry it around with them. I'm paranoid, but I don't want to be the clueless new girl. :P
Wierd, all the gyms I've been to put spray bottles and a towel next to the machine. I guess if I had to get my own towel I would use the same one for the entire day otherwise it would be too much to carry or too much running back and forth for a paper towel. I've seen people bring in their own "face" towel and wipe down the bench with that.
i agree, best to wipe everything you use down.
welcome to gym rats by the way! a bunch of us here work out at our local Y's. hope you stick around and post more often.