Due to the global pandemic, many fitness freaks and gym rats transformed their homes into new workout place. Since gyms are yet to be opened, staying on track with your workout routine is essential. That’s why people decided to workout at home.
Working out at home has many benefits. It’s much cheaper, more convenient and comfortable to have your own workout space. However, you are the one in charge of the hygiene! You’ll have to clean your workout space often, to prevent germs and bacteria from spreading. Don’t know how to do so?
1. Before you start
One of the main reasons many people workout is to sweat out the negativity and feel better about their bodies and health. Since every fitness journey consists of sweat and other bodily fluids, you’ll need to clean your space quite often to prevent germ spreading. So, how can you start?
The first thing you need to do is unplug all the electric equipment you may have. Cleaning machines that are powered by electricity can be very dangerous. After that, you need to prepare your cleaning equipment and supplies. Instead of the regular chemicals, consider the benefits of eco-friendly products that do great job cleaning and keeping our planet safe.
2. Pay attention to the floors
Whether you use your home gym daily or a couple of times during the week, it’s recommended to clean it at least once in two weeks. Often, people are so occupied by thoroughly cleaning their equipment, that they forget one of the filthiest parts of home workout spaces- the floor! How can you clean your floor?
If you have a hardwood floor like many homes, cleaning and disinfecting it can be quite tricky. You need to be careful not to damage the floor. That’s why you should stick to products made especially for the hardwood floors. Use a soft mop or fibre cloth to wipe them without potentially scratching.
3. Don’t forget about the trainers
Without proper trainers, there’s no workout. Whether you do cardio or bodyweight exercises, you need good-quality trainers to protect your feet from injuries. But when was the last time you cleaned your running shoes?
Whether you workout indoors or outdoors, your trainers tend to pick up dirt and odour after the training. It is recommended to wipe them down after each workout session. Do not put them in a washing machine. Clean them with an old toothbrush and soap instead! If you’re worried about the smell, put tea bags or lavender inside your trainers to minimise the unpleasant odours.
4. Weights and dumbbells
One of the most common pieces of equipment every home gym contains are the free weights and dumbbells. Cleaning them can feel quite silly as only you, and possibly your family, are using them. However, hands are suitable grounds for bacteria and germs transmission, so, make sure to clean them properly.
How? To clean weights and dumbbells, use your cleaning solution to disinfect the area. Make sure to let the chemicals do their jobs. Wipe the equipment with a microfiber cloth before you use them again. They can be slippery from the cleaning so be careful there.
5. Resistance bands and yoga mats
Soft and cloth equipment such as yoga mats and resistance bands are prone to soaking up sweat and dirt. As you use your yoga mat to lie on it and do various exercises, you wouldn’t want the dirt getting in your hair and face. So, you need to properly clean them too!
It’s recommended to clean your yoga mat after your exercising is done. The least you can do is wipe the mat with a dry cloth. To properly clean a yoga mat, you can use various cleaning solutions. Similarly, your resistance bands need to be washed too. Luckily, many of them are suitable for machine washing.
6. Boxing gloves
If you’re a fan of well-structured training, try out boxing. It’s a fantastic way to vent out the negative energy and stress that’s been piling up during the day. Since the global pandemic started, many gyms offer online boxing classes, so, you can enjoy them from the comfort of your home. But even though you’re working out at home, you shouldn’t forget to clean your boxing gloves.
How can you clean them and minimise the bad odour? Wipe the excessive moist from the gloves once you’ve finished your training. As you probably know, the inside of the boxing gloves is an ideal ground for bacteria breeding due to the sweat. So, to remove the smell and keep them fresh, use purifying bags.
7. Thoroughly clean the carpets
Many home workout places have carpets on the floors. Even though hardwood floors are a more popular option, some people opt for carpets because they are softer and muffle the noise from jumping and exercising. But cleaning carpets can be very tricky!
No matter how hard you try to clean your carpets, they inevitably absorb a lot of dust, dirt and sweat. Instead of losing your temper over that detail, you can always hire a reliable cleaning company that can clean out your space for you! It’s an affordable, easy and convenient way to having a clean workout space.
8. Remove the mud
Workout clothes and equipment tend to get quite expensive. If you don’t have separate equipment for your indoor and outdoor exercises, you’ll need to it very often, especially the trainers! Make sure to remove the mud from the sole of your shoes. Also, clean the outdoor equipment before you take it inside again.
Did you know that one of the best ways to engage the entire body is to ride a bike? High-quality dirt bikes can take you on an unforgettable fitness journey in nature. However, you’ll need to clean the tires, frame and handlebars before you bring the bike inside your home to keep your space clean.
9. Don’t neglect other surfaces
Even though you’ve paid special attention to the equipment, floors and clothes, you still shouldn’t neglect other surfaces in your home gym. One of the first things many people overlook is the mirror. It may seem clean, but once you wipe it clean, you’ll see yourself clearly.
Also, don’t forget a treadmill if you’ve got one. Disinfect it before and after each use. It a great breeding ground for bacteria, so, prevent that by cleaning it often. Last, but not least, don’t forget about the windows, if you have any. Even though you don’t have to clean them as often, they need good washing from time to time.
Conclusion
Let’s be fair, no one likes cleaning. But once you see how clean your workout place is, you’ll be hooked to keeping it neat and tidy. Every fitness journey is more enjoyable in a pleasant and clean workout space, so why don’t you keep it that way? Maintain your workout space and equipment clean and tidy for healthier and more enjoyable training!
