The 5 Germiest Places in the Gym (and How to Protect Yourself)

Problem: While many people are good about cleaning cardio machines, this isn't the case when it comes to weights and weight machines. And it shows: the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine study found bacteria and viruses on 73 percent of the weight equipment it tested. And these germs seem to lurk everywhere! The New York University study found bacteria on a lateral pull-down machine that was tested.

Solution: Just like with cardio machines, make sure to clean any weight equipment before using it. Also place a towel between yourself and any weight bench you have to lie or sit on.