The truth about gyms and germs

Unsurprisingly, fitness facilities are seen as breeding grounds for germs by virtue of their high foot traffic. How bad is it? A now-famous, oft-cited US study examining gym cleanliness back in 2016—way before the outbreak of the global pandemic—revealed some startling facts, which have since been published on a global scale.

The worst offenders

The study, that was carried out by FitRated.com, examined 27 types of equipment at three gyms and found that free weights have 362 times more germs than your average toilet seat (!) Your second and third-worst offenders being the treadmill with 74 times more bacteria than a typical public bathroom tap, and the exercise bike, clocking in at 39 times more bacteria than a reusable plastic cafeteria tray. And let’s not forget your yoga mats and exercise balls.

Truth is, in the pre-pandemic world, most patrons were used to wiping down gym equipment after use. But perhaps less diligently so, before grabbing gear to exercise—

especially if you were running late for a class. (Who wants to scramble for paper towels and sanitizing spray five minutes into a yoga session?)

A solution causing another problem 

Fast-forward to the present, and we are living in times of a heightened awareness towards cleanliness. We have become accustomed to stringent sanitizing measures to ensure hygienic environments across all verticals. 

Antibacterial wipes provide a convenient and efficient cleaning solution, and sales have shot through the roof in the past two years. Gyms and fitness centres in particular consume a lot of antibacterial wipes as the go-to solution to keep their spaces hygienic and members healthy. But in doing so, they are adversely contributing to another problem. Gyms are sending tonnes of antibacterial wipes waste to landfills daily, but as a majority of conventional wet wipes consist of plastic, it means they can take up to 100 years or more before even starting to break down in the landfills. Worse still, they risk ending up in our waterways and oceans, posing a real threat to humans and wildlife alike.

Just wipe and go with Need Wipes

While it remains to be seen what the results of a 2021 gym hygiene study would disclose, at Need Wipes we are doing everything we can to ensure healthy fitness facilities, as well as reduce our environmental impact—for everyone’s peace of mind. How? By offering a fully sustainable, biodegradable and ethically sourced antibacterial solution.

Need Wipes are naturally derived, made from highly biodegradable bamboo, which is not only gentler on your skin but kinder to the environment. Our highly-effective, Biodegradable Antibacterial Bamboo Wipes kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria, while remaining gentle on skin and surfaces. This owing to the fact that they are free from alcohol and other harmful chemicals commonly found in antibacterial wipes. Plus, they are fragrance-free. 

Our non-obtrusive Need Wipes dispensers provide patrons and staff with easy access to a quick and hassle-free sanitizing solution. Just wipe and go—before and after working out—to help promote safe spaces for all.

Need Wipes protects everyone – including the planet. Make the switch today!