Unsettling claims have spread across social media, igniting concerns among gym-goers about the potential to contract chlamydia from exercise equipment. The conversation began when TikTok user @grinny45 reported developing chlamydial conjunctivitis, or pink eye, after wiping his face with a towel placed on a gym seat. This video went viral, capturing the attention of countless users, prompting many to share their own worries about gym hygiene.
The user, who initially thought he had conjunctivitis, stated his doctor questioned his gym habits after determining sexual activity wasn’t the cause of his infection. According to the TikToker, the doctor remarked, "Chances are someone has sweated on the seat you put your gym towel [on], wiped your face, and [got] pink eye.” This led to many gym-goers taking precautionary measures, with videos of individuals sanitizing equipment flooding various platforms.
To shed light on these recent fears, Dr. Joe Whittington, an emergency medicine expert with over three million social media followers, responded with humor and science via Instagram. He posed the rhetorical question, "Can you really get chlamydia from gym equipment?" before clarifying, "Well, we all know it’s primarily spread through doing the deed, not through casual contact or touching surfaces. So,unless you're doing something very unusual with those gym machines, you're safe.”
Chlamydia, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, remains the most reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) across the UK and is typically transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. The infection often goes unnoticed since many who carry it remain asymptomatic. Confirming his stance, health experts at SH:24 supported Dr. Joe’s assertions, stating, "Chlamydia is passed on through sexual contact, like oral, vaginal, or anal sex. You cannot get chlamydia from kissing, hugging, towels, or toilet seats, as the bacteria cannot survive outside the body for long.”
While fears gripping gym-goers about chlamydia transmission may be overstated, Dr. Joe cautioned about the potential for other infections lurking on used equipment. He emphasized, "You do have to worry about MRSA, ringworm, and skin warts, so make sure you wipe down the equipment before you use it.” MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is one dangerous bacterium commonly found at gyms, responsible for various severe infections. Dr. Joe highlighted, "Dirty gym equipment can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi,” advocating for sanitary practice among gym enthusiasts.
Experts remain firm on the impossibility of contracting chlamydia from gym surfaces, reiteratively noting the infection’s requirements for survival. Biomedical scientist and physician Dr. Zac Turner discussed the science behind the rumors, stating, "For chlamydia to be transmitted, there needs to be direct, membrane-to-mucous contact, usually through sexual activity. So,unless you’re getting far too intimate with the gym equipment, you can unclench your glutes—you’re safe.” He elaborated, adding, "Chlamydia needs a warm, moist environment like the human body to survive. Once exposed to air or gym wipes, it’s toast.”
Despite the claims circulating on social media, the chances of acquiring the infection at your local gym are astronomically low. Yet it’s still prudent for gym-goers to observe hygiene practices, as Dr. Joe and other health professionals recommend. He concluded his advice with encouraging reminders about cleaning equipment before use and washing hands after workouts.
The broad consensus among healthcare professionals is clear: the ideas circulating about chlamydia transmission through gym equipment are unfounded and largely embellished. It’s wise to be vigilant about hygiene to ward off more plausible threats like MRSA and other skin-related issues commonly spread through shared surfaces. With proper education and preventive measures, gym-goers can focus on achieving their fitness goals, leaving behind the ghosts of misguided fears.