Men and women don’t stand on equal footing at the gym, but that’s not because men have a pound-for-pound strength advantage when lifting. According to a new study, it’s because the more muscular sex has fewer bacteria on their hands, meaning women are more likely to infect the gym’s equipment and locker room with MRSA and other bacteria.
After studying the palms of 51 college students, University of Colorado scientists identified over 4,700 different species of bacteria, with the average hand harboring 150 species. The researchers found that women’s hands were covered with significantly more crawlers than their counterparts since female skin produces more acids.
Other potential causes: differences in sweat and oil gland production, the frequency of moisturizer or cosmetics applications, skin thickness and hormone production.
Tips to Keep Germs Away at the Gym:
1. Start sanitizing.
Most gyms keep antiseptic on hand to disinfect equipment. Use it, especially when following a woman. You can also apply an alcohol-based sanitizer like Purell to your hands between machines.
- Go gloveless. A recent Japanese study found that bacteria bind strongly to polyester.
- Towel off. Don’t lie directly on communal fitness mats, which can soak up and harbor sweat and germs.
- Tape up. Grab a roll of athletic tape and wrap over any cuts or scratches on your hands.