"Hands dirty like a toilet seat after a gym visit."

A study found that after working out at the gym, bacteria levels under your fingernails were up to 10 times higher than on a toilet seat.

'Bacterial lump' found under fingernails

On the 20th (local time), sports betting site "Stake" announced that it had detected high levels of Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, bacteria that can cause skin infections and rashes, under the fingernails of four people who worked out at the gym for an hour. The number of microorganisms detected exceeded 15,000.

The bacteria identified during the analysis included Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, which are known to have the potential to cause skin problems, inflammation, and rashes. The research team presumed that these bacteria were transmitted through exercise equipment and sweaty mats.

Habits that Increase Your Exposure to Germs in the Gym

In this regard, a health trainer listed the following as representative behaviors that increase the risk of exposure to germs in the gym: ▲not properly cleaning exercise equipment after use, ▲touching one's face while exercising, ▲sharing personal items such as towels, ▲keeping one's fingernails long, and ▲not washing hands after exercising.

Precautions for Clean Exercise

To prevent infection, spray disinfectant on exercise equipment before and after use, and use a clean towel to wipe away sweat rather than touching your face. It's also important to keep your fingernails short and thoroughly wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds after exercise. Always wear slippers when showering to prevent foot infections like athlete's foot.