WebMD Medical News Laura J. Martin, MD March 4, 2011 -- Gym
surfaces were thought to be likely hosts for the superbug MRSA,
but a new study shows that this risk may be exaggerated. In
addition, the study shows the risk of MSSA (methicillin-
sensitive Staphylococcus aureus) infections from gym surfaces
may also be exaggerated. The findings appear in the March issue
of the American Journal of Infection Control. MRSA is formally
known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Antibiotic-resistant staph infections like MRSA infections
largely occur in hospitals and health care settings, but rates
of these infections have been climbing, which has led to concern
that community gyms could be hotbeds. MRSA can live on dry
surfaces for long periods. As a result, many gyms have initiated
extensive clean-up programs and offer antiseptic wipes to
members to clean off equipment before and after use. Researchers
tested 240 samples taken from gym mats, dumbbells, and cardio
and weight machines at three community-based