This time, instead of a piece on protein or carbs, Ola has put together a guide to how we can all look after our safety in the club together.
Many of us CrossFitters see ourselves as indestructible, bacteria- and virus-proof machines. Sure, regular exercise and fitness boost your immunity, but you can still get ill. Anywhere lots of people gather, bacteria and viruses have an easier job. A CrossFit box is one of those places, so we decided to raise your awareness a little and prepare you for stricter rules around hygiene in the broadest sense.
Why does it matter so much?
Which of us has never had blisters from T2B or a scraped shin? Has a “ripped hand” ever stopped you carrying on with a workout? When we train, we risk breaking the skin, which makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to get into the body. Bacterial skin infections, known as cellulitis, most often develop when bacteria get in through a break in the skin (one so small you may not even notice it when it happens) and start to multiply, leading to inflammation and damage. Staph, tetanus and fungal skin infections are all lying in wait – and we mustn’t forget heavier-calibre viruses such as HIV or hepatitis. That’s why you need to look after your own health and safety. By sticking to the rules, you protect yourself and others from illness.
Our rules
We work hard to keep the equipment and the gym clean, but unfortunately we can’t disinfect everything between classes. Prevention is better than cure, so we ask you to pay attention to a few things that matter to us. To minimise the risk of infection, please:
- Wash your hands before and after training (experts say you should keep going for as long as it takes to recite the whole alphabet).
- Cover wounds, cracked skin and blisters with clean bandages or plasters.
- Don’t touch other people’s wounds or dressings.
- Tell your coach IMMEDIATELY if you break the skin. They’ll help you dress the wound. Finishing within the time cap matters, but your health matters most. Don’t carry on with an open wound.
- Don’t use anyone else’s gymnastics grips, towels or personal toiletries.
- Wipe down equipment before and after use.
- If you tape the bar, remove the tape after training.
- If any of your bodily fluids (sweat, blood and tears ;)) end up on the floor, clean up after yourself.
- Don’t leave your training kit on the hooks in the changing rooms – it leads to unpleasant smells and bacteria.
- Train in clean knee sleeves and shin guards.
- Wear flip-flops in the shower.
- Don’t sit on the grey sofas after training. Sweat soaks into the upholstery. There’s a metal bench too – use that instead. Let’s keep the sofas for those waiting for their class.
- Don’t come to training with a cold or a runny nose.
Please put organic waste (e.g. banana peels) in the bin in the gym, as it’s emptied most often. The bins in the changing rooms and bathrooms are changed when the changing rooms are empty. We keep an eye on the big bin throughout the day.
Good hygiene habits won’t just stop you getting ill – they’ll also protect you from potential infections. After all, germs are everywhere! Thank you in advance for helping us keep the club clean and fresh.
