Think your gym is clean and safe? Think again. You might be exposed to more than you think

Gyms across Australia are crawling with germs, bacteria and fungi, often more than public toilets. From shared weights to sweaty mats and shower floors, many fitness facilities are breeding grounds for infections, rashes and serious illness.
 

"Gyms are cesspits of bacteria," Cleaning Edge Solutions, CEO and leading cleaning expert, Clayburn Figredo said.
 

"People assume their gym is hygienic because it looks tidy or smells of disinfectant, but most are not regularly deep cleaned. Sweat, skin cells and bodily fluids build up faster than they're removed and that's where the real danger lies."
 

The shocking truth about what's on gym surfaces
 

Even when wiped down daily, gym equipment can harbour hundreds of times more bacteria than a household toilet seat. Free weights, treadmills, mats and locker handles are hotspots for germs such as staphylococcus, E. coli and fungal spores.
 

"Every time you touch a dumbbell, adjust a machine or sit on a bench, you're coming into contact with the sweat and skin of hundreds of other people," Figredo said.
 

"Without proper sanitisation, those surfaces can transmit fungal infections, gastrointestinal illness and skin conditions within hours."
 

Common gym-related health risks
 

Fungal infections like tinea thrive in warm, moist environments such as communal showers and locker rooms. Staph and MRSA bacteria can enter the body through small cuts, causing painful boils or serious bloodstream infections. Viral infections such as warts and cold sores easily spread via shared mats and weights, while gastrointestinal bugs like E. coli and salmonella can be picked up from contaminated water fountains or touchpoints.
 

Respiratory infections can also develop when mould or bacteria spread through poorly cleaned air vents or HVAC systems. Showers and changerooms are particularly dangerous.
 

"Slime on tiles and mould in grout are indicators of biofilm, layers of living bacteria that simple mopping won't remove," Figredo explained.
 

"Only professional deep cleaning can break that down."

The illusion of cleanliness
 

A shiny floor or the smell of lemon spray doesn't mean it's clean. Many gyms focus on visible tidiness rather than proper sanitisation. Sweat residue, body oils and dust create a film that traps germs, while reused cloths and dirty mop buckets can actually spread contamination further.
 

"Most gym operators genuinely believe they're maintaining good standards, but unless they use hospital-grade disinfectants, clean high-touch areas several times a day, and schedule regular deep cleans, they're falling short," Figredo said.
 

"We undertake regular cleaning maintenance and deep cleans for gyms so we know what is really happening across the industry and who cleans well and doesn't."
 

Why consumers need to be careful
 

Poor hygiene isn't just unpleasant, it's dangerous. Infections caught in gyms can lead to medical costs, time off work and long-term health impacts.
 

"Consumers should absolutely be asking their gym what their cleaning schedule looks like," Figredo urged.
 

"If they can't tell you when their last deep clean was, or they don't log sanitisation of showers and benches daily, find another gym."
 

Figredo urged gym-goers to be aware of the risks and to take responsibility for their own hygiene. Always wipe equipment down before and after use, even if it looks clean and avoid using showers or bathrooms without disinfecting taps and benches first. Wearing thongs in the shower is an age- old trick that still works.
 

He also recommended using a clean towel as a barrier between your skin and any benches or mats and taking your own sanitiser to use on your hands, drink bottle and phone. Avoid touching your face while working out, keep any cuts covered and wash your gym clothes in hot water after every session.
 

Communal areas such as saunas and pools require extra caution as warm, humid environments allow germs to thrive.
 

"Cleanliness in gyms is everyone's responsibility," Figredo said.
 

"Simple habits can drastically reduce the risk of infection and help you stay healthy."
 

About Cleaning Edge Solutions
 

Cleaning Edge Solutions is a national commercial cleaning and facility management provider based in Mulgrave, Victoria. Founded in 2008 by Clayburn Figredo, the company has built a reputation for innovation, compliance and social impact, with ISO certifications across quality, safety, environment, food safety and information security. Cleaning Edge ventures across commercial and industrial cleaning, facilities maintenance, waste management and property development. Visit: www.cleaningedge.com.au