The dirtiest, most bacteria-infested places in the gym

Gym equipment can harbor germs that may cause infection.Nando Martinez/Getty Images

• Cardio equipment, like treadmills, stationary bikes, and ellipticals, are some of the germiest places in the gym.
• You should also be wary of weight balls and weight equipment.
• Water fountains are also particularly bacteria-laden, so take precautions when drinking from a communal fountain.
• This article was medically reviewed by Tania Elliott, MD, who specializes in infectious diseases related to allergies and immunology for internal medicine at NYU Langone Health.

Hitting the gym is great for both your physical and mental health. However, the gym is also full of germs.

Though sweat itself does not carry germs, exercise machines are hotbeds of bacteria. But there are some places in the gym that are more infested than others. These are the dirtiest, germiest places in the gym and how to keep yourself safe from infection.