With New Year's resolutions still fresh on their lips, many students have found themselves heading to the gym or finally giving that hot new diet a try. But according to experts, while most resolutions are made in the spirit of self-improvement, there are a few unexpected things to be leery of while in the pursuit of physical perfection.
Dr. Philip Tierno, a microbiologist and immunologist at New York University Medical Center, appeared on ABC's "Primetime" last week with the results of his investigation of potentially harmful microorganisms that thrive in fitness centers.
His findings might cause some students to experience serious hesitation before heading to the local gym.
A write-up of the "Primetime" investigation and Tierno interview published on ABC's Web site on Jan. 13 listed a host of undesirable microorganisms found in the unlikeliest of places.
"On a set of dumbbells, 'Primetime' found staphylococcus, streptococcus viridans, diptheroids and e. coli - the most common bacteria in human feces. On one exercise bike, 'Primetime' found candida - the germ that causes yeast infections."
In the article, Tierno stated that any equipment used by many people in rapid succession becomes a breeding place for germs.
UB's largest on-campus fitness center, located in Alumni Arena, usually receives a substantial amount of usage year-round. But according to Ed Michael, director of Recreation and Intramural Services, this time of year there is an increase in activity there - so much of an increase that weekend hours have been extended from a closing time of 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"People who are getting ready for spring break, people who have put on pounds in between semesters, and people who make New Year's resolutions result in a 20 percent raise in patronage."
Even with this heavy traffic, Michael said students might not have much to worry about when it comes to the facility's cleanliness.
"The pads for the machines are cleaned throughout the day by both the fitness center assistants and the clients," he said. "We have disinfectant placed strategically around the facility so they can spray and towel the equipment down."
Michael said fitness center employees are each placed on cleaning schedules for particular zones and the floor is spot-cleaned throughout the day in addition to the general cleaning by university maintenance.
While Michael makes it clear that the fitness center gets special cleaning attention because of the nature of its usage, some experts believe the gym is no more germ-prone than any other area of the university.
"We normally transmit microorganisms from one person to another by direct contact and I don't know why a gymnasium might be different from anything else. Everyone touches doorknobs for example," said UB professor Murray Stinson, professor of microbiology and immunology. "Wherever you put a lot of people together you run the risk of transferring microorganisms from one person to another."
Stinson said that it might be true that many germs can be found in fitness centers but that people will have to accept the fact that microorganisms are everywhere.
"It's all common sense that objects that other people touch will possibly have microorganisms on it," he said. "And if people are concerned about disease transmission they should be like the television character Adrian Monk - you can carry your wipes. That's the only advice I have, either that or hold your breath."
