Gyms (short form of gymnasium), are closed spaces meant for training and exercises for physical fitness. History of gyms dates back to 3,000 years, but they have become very popular in the past two or three decades. Gyms provide a space for physical exercise and fitness. It also provides relaxation by removing stress and even generates new friendships. However, apart from the benefits, there are some health hazards, associated with gyms, about which people need to be vigilant. The very first issue is regarding hygiene. The lockers, surface and handles of machines and other tools of fitness, are handled by many people every day. Thus they become careers of multiple germs, deposited there by various handlers. Unless cleaned regularly very well, they can be a source of causing infections. If these surfaces are dusty, the number of microbes present is enhanced. Poorly ventilated gym rooms, with people working in close distance of one another is a risk factor for communicable diseases, mainly respiratory system diseases, manifesting as cold, cough, fever, chest pain, e.t.c, one or more of these symptoms. This problem is enhanced if someone smokes in the premises. Gyms usually become noisy places. People moving in and out, including trainers and trainees both, shouting and talking, music played, noise generated by machines, pulleys and weights dropping, all these add to noise being generated. Individuals exposed to such noise pollution are prone to develop headache and ringing sounds in their ears. If this continues for long, individuals can even develop hearing loss. Elderly persons are more susceptible to these health issues. Risk of above health hazards is augmented, where the available space is small and multiple equipment are placed closely, resulting in more than two or three people doing work out in close quarters. Slippery floors, loose fitting machines, become the cause for minor or major accidents and injuries, in any person. Occasionally, there is news from somewhere, where some individual developed sudden cardiac arrest in gym, while doing work out and died. It is not only middle aged, elderly, but even young persons who have had cardiac arrest in gyms. This happens mostly with exercises involving weight lifting or pulling heavy objects. Such kinds of exercises cause sudden release of adrenalin and other chemicals in the body. This in turn causes sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure and can result in cardiac arrest and sudden death. Those with hypertension or pre-existing heart problems are more prone to cardiac arrest. Many of these health hazards can be reduced by vigilance and collective efforts of all involved. Onus of keeping the room, machines and lockers clean and hygienic, lies with the gym owner. But individuals coming for training should be equally vigilant and helpful in this regard, such as not to litter around. The owners should ensure that all machines are kept well-oiled and maintained. Any loose fitting equipment or wire should be kept away from use, till repaired, to avoid any accident. A well carpeted floor, well lubricated machines, sound proof walls, can help to minimise the noise pollution and health hazards associated with it. Use of hand sanitizers before and after using the lockers, equipment, e.t.c., good hand washing after visiting the wash rooms, use of face masks if someone has a cold or cough, are simple measures, which are very beneficial in reducing transmission of infectious diseases. Before starting any resistance or strength training exercises, it is advisable to undergo routine medical fitness, particularly involving the heart, such as electrocardiogram, cardiac echo and if possible treadmill test, to ensure that no pre-existing heart disease prevails. Even then, any such exercise should be started slowly and the number and frequency should be increased slowly. On experiencing any discomfort, like sudden chest pain, breathlessness, e.t.c., the exercise should be stopped immediately. Those with hypertension or heart problems, should avoid such exercises. Just being vigilant will help going to the gym, more useful and prevent any health issues. By-Dr. Rachna Pande Specialist in internal medicine
