Yuck! Gym Equipment Has More Bacteria Than Toilet Seats, Study Finds

BOSTON (CBS) -- Finding the motivation to get to the gym is hard enough, and this new study certainly won't help.

Tests by Fitrated, a fitness equipment review site, revealed that the equipment at the gym can be a lot dirtier than other everyday items.

Exercise bikes had an average of 39 times more bacteria than a cafeteria tray. Treadmills contained about 74 times more germs than a public bathroom sink. And this finding will have you running for the hand sanitizer: Free weights were found to have 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.

Comparing germs at the gym to everyday items. (Image credit Fitrated)

"Considering the sheer number of people who touch gym equipment in a facility during any given day, it should come as no surprise that the surfaces are less than spotless," Fitrated says.

Gym-goers are advised to disinfect equipment before and after they use them, and washing your hands after a workout is always a good idea.