Be careful what you pick up at the gym: Skin infections can spread easily

Most people go to the gym to get healthy, but those who aren't careful might get something other than a good workout.

A recent paper released by the National Athletic Trainers' Association said that close quarters combined with general poor hygiene practices make athletes prone to getting skin infections.

According to The New York Times, these diseases range from mild to severe, including MRSA, a very dangerous staphylococcus infection that is resistant to most antibiotics.

Such was the case with Kyle Frey, a 21-year-old junior at Drexel University in Philadelphia, who was also a competitive wrestler. Frey noticed what he thought was a small pimple on his arm, and at first, he ignored it.

He competed in a match on a Saturday, and by the next morning, the pimple had grown to the size of his biceps and had become very painful. After a trip to the emergency room, Frey learned he had MRSA.

He spent five days in the hospital for intense treatment, where he said in an interview that he didn't know how he had gotten the disease.

The wrestling mat might have been contaminated, or I wrestled with someone who had the infection," Frey said.

He claimed that he had always been health conscious and careful not to share his belongings.

While Frey's case is not common, it shows that anyone could be at risk. Sweat, abrasions and direct or indirect contact with the lesions and secretions of others make everyone vulnerable to skin infections on commonly used surfaces like exercise equipment and mats.

What's the best way to protect yourself? Always assume exposure, according to Jack Foley, athletic trainer and director of sports medicine at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., and co-author of the N.A.T.A. report on skin infections.

Juli McDonald at KFYR-TV in Bismarck, North Dakota said that even though most gyms provide towels, "it's a good idea to bring your own towel, or at least use a new one to reduce the risk of spreading infections."

The director of a women's health center, Melanie Carvell, also suggested that gym members get proactive about protecting themselves from unsanitary surfaces.

"Always make sure you have fresh workout clothes and a fresh towel all the time," Carvell said. "You want to make sure there`s a barrier between yourself and any surfaces you`re sitting on."

Other tips include wearing flip flops in locker rooms at all times, bandaging any open wounds and -- of course -- remembering to wash your hands.