Cold and flu germs are everywhere these days - including at your gym or fitness center. The biggest threat comes from the fact that dozens of people are touching the equipment all through the day.

If someone with a cold or the flu wipes his mouth or eyes with his hands and then uses the equipment, the next person could pick up an infection if he touches his hands to his mouth or eyes. The best way to avoid that kind of exposure is to keep your hands away from your face and eyes when you're working out - use a clean towel to wipe yourself off.

It's also wise to wipe off machines before you use them as well as afterwards. Not everyone follows the usual etiquette of wiping down a machine when they're finished.

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