Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 25th April 2024 Issue no. 1111
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Holidays, gyms and germs
According to a study by the Global Health & Fitness Association (IHRSA), gym membership soars right after the Christmas & New Year holidays. The study reports that 12% of all new members for the whole year are acquired by gyms in January.
This is very welcome news for gym owners that survived the pandemic.
The IHRSA also reports that 25% of all gyms and fitness studios in the US permanently closed their doors during the pandemic. Further, countless gym members cancelled their memberships due to the pandemic, with many never returning.
"Gym owners now realise that proper cleaning and disinfecting are paramount," says Lee Chen, CEO of ProNatural Brands, a leading marketer of highly sustainable, citrus-based cleaning solutions and disinfectants.
"Many now view proper cleaning and disinfecting as key to their business survival and growth."
However, new and old gym members must do their part to protect their health in gyms. Lee says this starts by knowing where potentially harmful germs and bacteria are located.
From a 2019 study by Kent University, some of the most contaminated surfaces in a gym were determined to be the following:
- Weight balls, 62.5%
- Cable curl bars, 62.5%
- Weight plates, 56.3%
- Treadmill handles, 50%
Other contaminated surfaces include water fountains, treadmill handles, cable machine metal pins, yoga and stretch mats,and bench bars.
So, what steps can gym owners and cleaning professionals take to keep these facilities healthy?
Lee recommends the following:
- Make cleaning ongoing throughout the day; waiting until the gym closes increases the risk of contamination and the chances of someone getting sick.
- Place antibacterial wipes throughout the gym and encourage members to use them.
- Use a one-step cleaner/disinfectant to wipe contaminated surfaces. A one-step citrus-based cleaner/disinfectant improves worker productivity, allowing more surfaces to be cleaned in a shorter amount of time.
- Encourage members to wash their hands frequently while working out.
"Ultimately, gym owners and members must work together to protect everyone's health," adds Lee. "It's true. We are all in this together."
Since its beginning in 2012, ProNatural Brands has developed a full line of 100% naturally derived disinfectants, sanitisers and cleaning products with patented, citrus formulas for the foodservice, healthcare, education and hospitality industries, as well as for the consumer market. ProNatural Brands- products have been scientifically proven to be effective and safe for the user's health and the environment.
19th January 2023