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The Swine Flu and Your Gym - How To Keep Safe

By Dennis Carroll

The swine flu is spreading! The swine flu was formerly only contracted by pigs has caused a reported 150+ human deaths in Mexico, and cases are now being reported here in the U.S. and cases have been confirmed on every continent.

The swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza and is normally contained to pigs. Human outbreaks of the swine flu were first reported in March in California and Texas and have since spread to other states. Symptoms are similar to the regular human flu and it is thought to be spread in much the same way such as; coughing and sneezing, doorknobs, and various things that are handled by infectious people. Unfortunately, the first thirty–six hours of infection (the point at which most people are contagious) are often a symptomatic.

So, while at the gym, you step up to the next machine in your circuit, grab the handles, push through a couple of hard sets, and then wipe the sweat from the corner of your eye. Could happen ,right? AND… you just contracted the swine flu but don’t know it yet. Then you move over to the dumbbell rack, grab some 20lb dumbbells (25’s if there is a cutie nearby) and do three sets of curls. You, being the conscientious type, make sure to put the dumbbells back on the rack(just in time to see that cutie pick them up for a serious set of walking lunges-whew!). And guess what, you’ve just passed on the flu. Just like that! Now here comes that guy you know from..somewhere. You know the guy who always shakes your hand EVERYTIME you see him. Put your hands in you pockets, quick! ..too late…”good to see you too. Yeah, I’m fine, fine…how you doin?”. Bam, another swine flu victim.

So, how do you avoid it? Or can a gym rat like you avoid the swine flu and not seriously disrupt your lifestyle? Of course, but you may have to be willing to try something new.

Here are the steps to take to avoid the swine flu; 1.wash your hands-before and after your workout. 2.Wipe down each piece of equipment before you use it. (most gyms have disinfecting toilettes available). 3.Bing a clean towel to wipe sweat from your eyes(be sure to keep the towel off of equipment during your workout. 4.Open your water bottle with your teeth, not your hands. 5. Cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough. 6.Eat right and get plenty of rest.

If you still don’t feel safe,(here is where you can try something different) take your workout out doors, in the fresh, clean springtime air of Chester County. Go for a hike, take a jog, or join a Fitness Boot camp!

About the Author:

Dennis Carroll is founder of Premier Personal Training in West Chester. He is a nationally certified fitness expert and contributing author to the Fitness Experts Network. He can be reached at . His website is http://www.premier-personal-training.com