Thinking of giving up the gym - i'm catching so many colds

[Sausagenbacon]

I have been going to a cheap and cheerful gym (Pure Gym) 3 times a week for some time.
The problem is that I have been getting heavy colds, one after the other. To the extent that I am thinking of giving it up for the Summer and perhaps restarting in the Winter.
Does anyone else feel that they get more colds at the gym?

Nope. Can't say I've noticed that. And I'm at a cheap and cheerful gym too. When I went through a phase of getting colds a while back I started taking vit c and vit d which knocked them on the head.

oh me too! It was non stop 🤧 Also Pure Gym! Stopped for three months after trying only off peak times Recently went back and coughs and colds resumed promptly.
i just think the AC isn’t up to job and equipment barely cleaned and hand washing only available at very back and no hand gel. You’re persuading me to leave entirely now .

Nope the reverse. Since I started training I’m so rarely ill. I also am more conscious with nutrition and rest so maybe that helps.

Do you clean equipment before/after use?

No but it might just be a coincidence

i dont think it matters if its a cheap gym as you are still in close proximity to people and touching machines

Honestly I’ve had the same thought before. I went through a phase where every time I got into a consistent gym routine, I seemed to pick up a cold or two. What helped me was being a bit more mindful with wiping equipment before/after use, carrying a small hand sanitizer in my bag, and making sure I was actually getting enough sleep (I realized the late-night sessions plus early mornings were running me down). Sometimes it’s not just the gym germs but the combo of harder training + weaker recovery that makes you more susceptible.

Your plan to start again in the winter doesn't really make sense. Gyms are much busier in the winter and cold viruses spread like crazy in winter, with everyone together indoors. Just be hot on cleaning and hand hygiene - doesn't help if people are sneezing around you, but that will happen wherever you go.

I find this at the pool. My solution is to go first thing before all the germs build up.

I havent noticed this. Im in packed exercise classes, inches away from people, in rooms heated to 38 degrees and hotter 4 or 5 times a week and I hardly ever get sick. Just wash your hands frequently and be mindful of touching your face after using the equipment. I'd imagine the benefits of attending the gym regularly far outweigh the risks of catching the odd cold tbh so I would try to keep it up!

This. Cleaning equipment and so on will help, but so many viruses are just spread through the air. Some wear a mask (respirator, not one of those surgical ones) to try to avoid this.

Nasal breathing (rather than mouth breathing) is meant to make a difference as your nose acts as a filter.

Is it possible you’re deficient in something, leading to your coughs and colds? Low (not just deficient) Vit d and ferritin can really lower your immune system. Exercising increases your body’s demand for such too.
hope you get on top of it soon