Clean your own machine at the gym!

[UndertheCedartree]

I regularly go to the gym and I notice very few people clean the machines. Therefore if I want a clean machine I clean it myself. I'm not realky that bothered but if I particularly want to I clean it. Which makes me think...shouldn't this just be the norm? I used to always clean a machine after use but as most people don't and not knowing if a machine has been cleaned I'd therefore need to do it myself...it seems to make more sense for people to clean it themselves before use and if they don't care they can just leave it. Then it saves people cleaning a machine after use, when the next person will either not care or if they do will need to clean it again if they're not sure if it has been cleaned!

That does seem a much more logical way of doing it, in truth.

Everyone should clean it-like videoing others, going barefoot or touching others without consent to push them in their exercise-breaking gym rules can get you banned.
Obvious exception if someone is physically not able, as of course there are some people who do go to the gym to do specific exercises while not being able to clean. Friends/staff/other users are happy to help people and clean for them in that situation.

Everyone should clean it-like videoing others, going barefoot or touching others without consent to push them in their exercise-breaking gym rules can get you banned.
Obvious exception if someone is physically not able, as of course there are some people who do go to the gym to do specific exercises while not being able to clean. Friends/staff/other users are happy to help people and clean for them in that situation.

I always clean before use

A quick wipe over with a bit of paper towel doesn’t make it clean, which is why I find gyms rather grim.

I think so too. But knowing me, I'd still sanitize it myself.

There is anti bacterial spray at my gym, but obviously you don't know how well someone has done it. Hence, doing it yourself is better.

Well, if they banned everyone who didn't clran the machines, they'd have a pretty empty gym!

Our local, family owned gym provides wipes and bins but most importantly one of the owners checks and challenges people if they’re not cleaning up after themselves. She’s one of these no-nonsense, fierce types. She’s amazing - and it’s the cleanest gym I’ve ever been to!

(They also have a place for everything, and everything gets put back in its place. A whole wall of hooks for the cable attachments. A little pyramid of barbell clips. It’s amazing)

Point is, it’s possible to have a nice clean gym if the staff really wanted it.

I clean mine after use because I know that’s what you’re meant to do.

But honestly, it doesn’t really bother me. I’m showering right after anyway, and it’s probably not as dirty as some of the other things I touch (supermarket basket handles, lift buttons etc).

I don’t! I just wash my hands afterwards. Also I’m not sweaty. If I was sweaty I would. David Lloyd gym - no one seems to clean equipment after use.

What do people think you can catch?

I clean mine but at my gym the machines are constantly getting cleaned by staff anyway. It’s a small gym. If people don’t do it, it doesn’t bother me.

I absolutely agree about putting your equipment back and my gym is very hot on it. They also have cleaners in the gym so it's always very clean, tbh.

This is a good point. What with the people who do clean and the cleaners my gym is definitely cleaner than for example a lift or public bench.

Sweat germs?! 😂

Same at my gym. It's always very clean. I have no problem with people not cleaning after use. If I want it cleaned I can do it myself.