Researchers at FitRated, a fitness equipment review company, released results of a study it conducted at three different gyms examining germs left on machines.
Sampling 27 pieces of equipment such as treadmills, exercise bikes and free weights, the researchers were looking for four different kinds of bacteria, some known for their resistance to antibiotics, and for causing pneumonia, skin infections, and respiratory illnesses.
From examining the exercise bicycles, the researchers found 39 times the amount of bacteria you might find on a plastic reusable cafeteria tray.
From examining the treadmills, the researchers discovered more than 74 times the amount of bacteria you would normally find on a water faucet.
And from taking a closer look at free weights, the researchers found more than 362 times the amount of bacteria you’d expect to find on the average toilet seat.
Each piece of equipment sampled was covered in more than 1 million square inches of germs, and more than 70% of the bacteria found was proven to be harmful to humans.
So maybe next time you hit the gym, remember to use workout gloves and soap, because as we now know, most gym-rats are dirtbags. No offense.