What’s the germiest surface at Planet Fitness, GoodLife and Anytime Fitness? (Marketplace)

Do you wonder what germs are lurking on the mats, dumbbells and in the showers at your gym? CBC Marketplace swabbed many of the popular surfaces at Planet Fitness, GoodLife and Anytime Fitness gyms to uncover how germy they can be. We also look at how you can protect yourself when you work out.
THE COUNTDOWN
03:25 - 5th germiest surface
03:51 - 4th germiest surface
05:29 - 3rd germiest surface
06:27 - 2nd germiest surface
07:55 - 1st germiest surface
09:52 - Showers
#Gyms #Germs #marketplace
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producer
JENNY COWLEY
reporter
CHARLSIE AGRO
research producer
KATIE PEDERSEN
editors
AARON TAYLOR
SIMON PARUBCHAK
camera
NORM ARNOLD
DAVID MACINTOSH
JOHN LESAVAGE
ANDY HINCENBURGS
MARC ROBICHAUD
audio
KEVIN TEIXEIRA
special thanks to
BOULDERZ CLIMBING CENTRE
additional field support
MICHELLE ALLAN
additional footage
INSTAGRAM
POND5
TIKTOK
KZbin
art director
DAVID ABRAHAMS
media management
ASTORIA LUZZI
social media producers
AMARA MCLAUGHLIN
BRITT PURDY
colour correction
KYLE J. SMITH
sound mix
DANY TREMBLAY
project manager
VICTOR KERR
resource coordinators
MARC CORMIER
DRAGAN MARICIC
news rollout producer
JENNY COWLEY
packaging editor
BENNY KOSHY
packaging producer
LINDA SIBONY
promo producer
GREG SADLER
senior producer
TIFFANY FOXCROFT
executive producer
NELISHA VELLANI
FIRST BROADCAST January 12, 2024

[@galaxytraveler5779]

Germs are everywhere, no matter what. Sheltering yourself from does less for your immune system. I've been going to the gym for about 20 years, and I haven't been sick in almost a decade.

[@MoneyStrategiesSOULutions]

exactly!

[@CedroCron]

Wash your hands, don't touch your face but don't panic. Furthermore, wear flip-flops in the showers for fungus. Germs are and have ALWAYS been all around us and it's good for your immune system to encounter some germs. It keeps it trained and on alert (within reason). It's amazing that people even survived before soap.

[@hiraijo1582]

Actually the fungus is part of the microbiom of the skin of most people since childhood. It may get invasive if the skin is wet for a longer period of time or your immune system is in bad shape( diabetics, immunesuppresants etc. ) Fungus also likes it dark. So dry your feet thoroughly and let the feet have some UV from sunlight. In hospital I have seen so many homless people with terrible fungus. Be asored they don`t go to the gym but wear their shoes and socks for weeks. Sweaty and dark. Immunesupression due to alcohol or drugs.

[@thehighlightsreel953]

Just dont do anything and nothing will happen

[@aleks-33]

​@@thehighlightsreel953no true, you'd get bedsores and muscle atrophy :) you don't have to be a smart arse because advice about hygine makes u uncomfortable for some bizarre reason.

[@DetroitNinja]

glad I saw this video... I'll continue to work out at home. Thanks.

[@cramhead]

How does the cleanliness compare to a home or restaurant?

[@NANA-su5ql]

I feel like the big factor that would make a difference with a comparison like this is between a house with pets, especially if they’re an animal that jumps on counters.

[@Sharingmyideas]

Best way to provoke yet more anxiety.

[@SweatySockGaming]

CBC doesn’t want people to go to the gym . Part of the mandate for a weak population.

[@revorocks123]

give me those germs, immune gains

[@bunnyman6321]

😂😂😂😂

[@Livetoeat171]

When their results come up with, "it's an anomaly, and not a reflection of all the gyms, That's just a business cop out to not lose customers. But we all need to protect ourselves the best we can by buying our own stretch bands, exercise ball, and free weights, and go out and run the streets rather than hit the gym.

[@magnet8170]

Outstanding work like always! We need something like that in the 🇺🇸

[@norajohnston1763]

Glad to see this awareness. I am going to be wiping machines before I use them now and not just after.

[@jl-wg7zx]

some serious fear mongering : ) Are gyms any more germy than anywhere else?

[@largedoglover99]

I have a friend that constantly complains he’s sick after he goes to the gym. He’s an exercise fanatic, but he’s constantly feeling ill. I prefer to go in the pool myself at the YMCA but, I can find some pretty disgusting things floating in the pool and sitting in the shower. I just don’t go anymore.

[@festekj]

I wipe down all equipment before using them.

[@galaxytraveler5779]

Lol nope. More crap being churned out by cbc to turn people into safety freaks. Shelter your immune system to weaken it and be more dependent on the system.

[@Ngan.marianguyen]

i dont mean to bad mouth anyone but i used to work at GL as a trainer and what i can tell u is my coworkers absolutely hateee cleaning equipments, washrooms,.. they dont care at all. they just wanted to get it done..

[@aaronalquiza9680]

in 2019 i got some sort of wart on my thumb beside the nail. i suspected i got it from Goodlife when i had a cut on my thumb. it won't go away for almost 2 years. i tried the duct tape method, cutting off the skin, nitro-freeze, but it would always regrow. i gave up and hoped for the best. months later, somehow i was working with fertilizer + soil + cow manure bare handed in the garden one time, in a couple of days the wart dried out and just shed off my skin. i almost cried. 2 years of stinging, pain, and discomfort on my thumb, GONE. i dont know what fixed it.

[@leeeduncan]

I'd better get vaxxed and boosted and never go out again.. for my health 😃

[@flybeta]

Gym is great not let this video worry you it toughens you up been in the grimiest of gyms im alright rarely get sick.... Don't touch your face eys and nose.

[@Lmfaocj]

Who's going into the gym shower without using slippers? That's a good way to get an infection

[@agoogleuseranonymous2658]

Yeah I don't even take my shoes off. I see meanwhile plenty of blokes barefoot all the time.

[@davidpaul6615]

Most people do not care.

[@galaxytraveler5779]

How is this shocking to anyone? Of course it's going to be full of germs... germs are all over, everywhere you go.

[@uhhTabby]

i love going to the gym when im sick to get rid of the sickness faster

[@Know-nx5yo]

I'll add to you the few who go to the gym and cough out a lung or 3 there when they're sick

[@michaelman9358]

This is actually serious.... I know a guy he popped a pimple on his leg in the change room before workout... it got infected and his leg was amputated 3 weeks later.

[@Stuart.Branson.]

There is no such thing a "Germs" but there is such a thing as MOLD. Dead skin tissue turns to mold so it is important to keep a public environment clean. Airing is especially important.

[@charlottejones8903]

It's a public place. Just don't put your fingers in your mouth.

[@TokyoRights]

Is this an actual health issue? Ive been going to the gym regularly over a decade and I feel like its not. I just avoid touching my face until I wash my hands, like I would anywhere I go out in public.

[@billegbert6262]

Most big gyms don't enforce their membership wiping down equipment and don't provide enough cleaning spray or cloths. Also, gyms have way too many members who are scrambling to get to equipment so wiping down of equipment is cursory. Gym management is the problem here. Enforce your own rules.

[@Lara-op9wu]

Trying to close down gyms again? Who in hell let you guys in???

[@Toogoodtobetrue458]

What did people expect it’s open to the public - if you a germ freak get a home gym

[@franklidgad]

*THAT'S IT, I'M QUITTING THE GYM AFTER WATCHING THIS!!* Ima gonna just stay home now, never leave my home and binge watch Marketplace videos every day. Eat potato chips, candy bars and drink soda. At least I won't have to worry about picking up ANY disgusting germs at the gym. I will soon look like that guy in the post-credit scene of the movie 'Dodge Ball' in no time. 👍

[@dannydaboss206]

It's funny that this came into my feed because I am canceling my gym membership today. Overpriced and not very time-efficient as compared to working out at home.

[@cvrart]

So, a germnasium ?!?

[@peterbirdsall9289]

welcome to planet sickness'

[@jimtib8206]

Who cares ? We're just there to get a pump. It could be rusted and dusted, I'll still lift the weight. Men don't care about "clean" gym, women do.

[@vette1]

wash your hands in between sets

[@glenrotchin5523]

Wear gloves for dumbbells and barbells. Duh.

[@lxMaDnEsSxl]

placebo

[@aaronalquiza9680]

so the covid era gym cleanups every 1hr was bullshit? lol

[@kehidupankanada]

I have encountering like this before when using the equipment. I kinda off push away or find ways to remove germs

[@BendyRoy]

The only thing this video accomplished is making Canadians less likely to get active.

[@evilleader1991]

I was just sick for an entire week after going to the gym 1 time, will definitely wash the equipment BEFORE and AFTER using it. Also I should probably stop bringing my phone with me to the gym.

[@waynesworld1655]

I remember getting a rash on my hands from dirty dumbbells at GoodLife. I had to go to my dermatologist to get prescription grade medicated skin cream.

[@nemonucliosis]

So you didnt touch anything else after the dumbbell huh? 😂😂😂

[@WohaliTheOneandOnly]

Rash from dumbbell handles can actually be from having nickel allergy. The metal plating has nickel in it. I have nickel allergy and have to wear lifter's gloves at gym because of this.

[@JohnPMiller]

My company paid for a gym membership one year. I went twice.😂

[@Salisky]

Not something to brag about lmao

[@YansiAlberto]

go shower before and after workout.

[@Maddie-rv6sp]

lets make this go viral pls looool as a canadian gym user

[@theghostofsw6276]

Good......muscles aren't the only thing you need to "build" to stay healthy!

[@scottbuckley6578]

I couldn't deal with the sweat marks on the seats if the gym equipment and the grunting so i just work out at home

[@bunnyman6321]

Filthy fitness

[@burnt1ce85]

CBC missed the real germ-fest: MMA gyms. It's like a sweaty, no-holds-barred orgy of germs. Boxers and Muay Thai fighters swapping more than punches/kicks - think sweat and other bodily fluids. And the No-GI Jiujitsu guys? They're rolling around on those mats like it's their making hot sweaty love. Cleaning? Please, that's for the weak. But hey, those MMA warriors are tough AF

[@taladh5658]

GoodLife doesn’t Even remove dirty wipes from their treadmills 😩

[@samarsyal3811]

One of the worst marketplace videos ever made.

[@maddie33859]

Love it! Many thanks ❤❤️

[@kyungshim6483]

The benefits of exercising far outweigh the possible harms from the germs at a gym. Don't worry about the germs. If showering, then wear a thick pair of sandals.

[@jtstacey83]

yeah as soon as I come into the gym I lick the equipment to mark my territory

[@dosdont]

They would be cleaner if Anatoly would stop drinking the cleaner

[@dosdont]

@@user-dp9fv5ok1d I think you're 100% right but for those who do, they'll get a chuckle

[@artvanderlay6974]

Who doesn't know to put on some kind of sandal or flip-flops when using a public shower?

[@snarkyleprechaun6392]

like seriously, Something we're taught since we take swimming lessons in elementary school. I bet the majority of non discount gyms do everything they can to keep it clean. Swab the bathrooms or keyboard or coffee maker of CBC's offices and see how well they do. Gyms are probably one of the cleanest places since they work hard as everyone already thinks theyre dirty

[@brooks8792]

The sauna! with wooden benches that people sweat buckets on.

[@friendly76]

Yeah it's been years since I've been in one. Too gross.

[@matthewbaynham6286]

It's interesting that they were in a rock climbing centre. No one cleans rock climbing holds at all. Even at night when everyone goes home and the cleaners come in, the cleaning staff don't climb up the walls cleaning the rock climbing holds.

[@Petrvsco]

…and it has never been a problem. The only reason to clean the holds is when they are caked with chalk and loose grip. This video is trying to “shed light” on a fictional problem. Much like expecting people to sanitize handrails and holders in a subway station.

[@nocause5395]

Sure, lets ignore the last three years of what we've learned.

[@matthewbaynham6286]

@@nocause5395 when you write about "the last three years" are you referring to the global pandemic of an airborne virus called covid-19 which started just over 4 years ago in December of 2019...

[@Salisky]

Just wash your hands before you touch your face/food

[@friendly76]

Exactly

[@mabellynn4605]

People are dirt bags! SANITIZE YOUR EQUIPMENT!!! Ugh

[@festekj]

Germaphobes must be the worst lovers in the world.

[@Know-nx5yo]

Several comments on this: 1) marketplace has become sensationalistic like the news have been for decades 2) you can catch as much, or more, germs at the grocery store, as there are way more people touching everything and putting it back onto the shelves 3) taking showers before and after working out at the gym solves as lot of problems, as this will get rid of most of the bacteria on your body (and everyone else's, if they did the same). A lot of people are ignorant of this, as those prone to bacterial growth will pour on cologne or perfume in the locker room 4) i ALWAYS wipe down the equipment before and after use, as I've witnessed one too many people exiting the toilet and NOT washing their hands

[@Livetoeat171]

No one is saying there isn't germs in other places like the grocery store carts. But we don't have a choice on that matter but we do have a choice in the gyms, whether we go there or buy our own equipment.

[@amtrakfan5511]

Next do indian street food

[@EriPages]

This would bankrupt an industry my friend.

[@bearhug7335]

Yes please 😂

[@brokerlead]

CBC you wonder why you are losing trust.. you have completely avoided covering the farmer protests in Berlin! Guess Justin doesn’t want you to remind Canadians about the trucker protests? Pathetic.

[@Mrgnl904]

Next do swimming pools and dental clinics

[@user-jd1bk6sy1m]

and nail salons

[@Mrgnl904]

I remember more than 10 years ago one of my friend’s friend got hepatitis c from a nail saloon.

[@pierrewilson3278]

I don't know.....Clean before use and after

[@hbahoo]

Cringe overload

[@TheJc71693]

I hope everyone at my gym sees this so less people show up lol

[@clay3544]

Thank goodness I workout at home

[@EriPages]

More fearmongering for future plandemic support, I mean future pandemic support.

[@Fehr270]

I’m not sure there is a coronation with people getting sick. Just wash your hands before eating.

[@vinmangob8555]

Give me a break, you can't keep everything clean OMG. Touch everything who cares, then what you do is keep you hand's away from your face, go to the washroom, take a paper towel turn on the sink, wash your hands with soap and water, use the towel to turn off the sink, same towel to open the door, see, no worries. I love going to the gym, not worried at all. I watch people spray the crap out of everything, I watch them use those wipes to touch everything, makes me laugh.

[@sharinaross1865]

In a perfect world I would go to the gym 4 days a week for 2 hours. Also, I would drink 90 ounces of pure water a day. It is great to workout outdoors. Edit Add on: public gym shower floors and drainage isnt a total shock.

[@rossgossman6530]

If I see Jason at my gym, I move to a new gym

[@aia2473]

It would probably also benefit smaller gyms to have and advertise that they use specific well known and highly rated air purifier machines.

[@DontCryAboutIt]

Better technique is spray, spread and wipe off. The sprays are allegedly disinfectants not cleaners. I use spray nine to clean and disinfect used items.

[@MrHitotsumusha]

This is not surprising. It's a public space where people sweat and touch everywhere. It's nice to show how to clean the equipment but most people don't have time to do a thorough cleaning when working out.

[@DontCryAboutIt]

Make sure you keep the FF in a separate bag from you WO clothing.

[@zka77]

I'll definitely stop licking mats and dumbbells, thanks for the info :DD

[@seadragon1456]

10 minutes!!! I let my sanitizer set for like a minute. I wipe and then stand there waving at it in attempt to dry it faster.

[@mungdaalmungdaal3296]

Ooooooooooooooo

[@WORKOUTSOLUTIONS]

We are not alone, God is with us ☦🙏 ❤‍🔥🔥❄🌨😍🏋‍♂✌👩‍❤‍👨🧣💪🕊🙏✝HAPPY NEW YEAR ☦🙏💒🌟👨‍👩‍👧‍👦☃🛷🫶🎄🧗‍♂🚨💋🙌💯❤‍🔥

[@friendly76]

I'm pretty cautious when it comes to cleanliness, but this is not going to stop me from working out. I make it a point to not touch any food or touch my eyes/mouth/nose when at the gym. Then I wash my hands very thoroughly afterward. If I shower at the gym, then I wear flip flops. If I don't shower there, I make sure my workout clothes don't touch my bed, chairs, etc. And then I shower promptly at home before getting in my bed. Just common sense stuff. Makes no sense to live in fear unless you have an autoimmune condition. In the past five years, I only got sick once, and that's when I got Covid in 2022 from church sitting next to some dude coughing up a storm.

[@Livetoeat171]

I feel like there's actually nothing but water in those bottles. There's absolutely no smell, and I know that doesn't determine much, but if it doesn't have any smell whatsoever, I called BS. I would like to see how much bacteria is left on after you spray it and wipe it.

[@jtstacey83]

as soon as people start working out they run a story about how dirty and gross it is. I wonder if a producer was upset his gym was busier than normal.

[@bunnyman6321]

😂😂

[@bailey125]

I always wash my hands just before I leave gym and try not to touch my face during the workout. I still workout as hard as I can withoutm worrying about the cleanliness of the equiptment no issues...

[@j.barren3738]

I spray people with Lysol before I talk to them 😅

[@bunnyman6321]

​@j.barren3738 😂😂😂

[@lesliejackson149]

No one needs a gym membership IF you have a 3-car driveway to shovel lol No flabby arms on this Canadian. Just pace yourself, take breaks and remind yourself... it's one day closer to Spring! (Repeat as necessary 😊) Bend with your knees, back straight, tightened core and seasoned shovelers toss snow farthest away (arm flex emoji)

[@j.barren3738]

I have a one car driveway. As soon as I pullout my car I'm done 😅

[@sanchezboy8654]

And this is why I always perform daily workouts at home.

[@centeredcycling.isbipedalt9544]

The fitness industry, in the States, is unregulated so instructors and trainers are not required to be certified, at all. The executive looting of the business doesn’t care about the cleanliness, much less safe and effective application of fitness modalities. Reducing labor costs and thrive unbridled greed of the American Boomer’s Capitalist Cult of profits over people and planet has ruined pretty much everything. #MEgeneration

[@j.barren3738]

Lock your doors and never go out again 😢

[@yaughl]

Gyms are so nasty. Work out at home or go outside. Way more hygienic.

[@largedoglover99]

So gross

[@longtalljay]

As germy as we need to have a healthy life. Share the love, share the cooties!

[@bunnyman6321]

😂😂😂😂

[@vacuus9281]

The steep defunding of the CBC past few decades really shows in how lacking this segment is. From film making, to editing, to general execution... it's pretty embarrassing.

[@cz2301]

How about wearing gloves during the workout? They can be washed in hot water at home

[@vinmangob8555]

lol you can also wash you hands.

[@seadragon1456]

Nobody has time to wash their gloves every other day or 5 times a week. I have gloves that start to smell after 3-5 wears. I wash them when I remember 😬🫣

[@Livetoeat171]

That's why so many people are getting exercise bands, free weights, and treadmill's for their own home. There is no reason to go to a busy gym anymore just for your exercise. This takes care of the "ick" factor for keeping yourself fit.

[@AlbertaleoAlbertalei]

I've given up my gym membership a couple of years ago and don't miss it one bit. Biking, jogging ,walking and home strength training. Life's too short to waste your time in the gym. 😎🌎⛺

[@michaelcorey9890]

Best to wear a mask, and stay at home... FOREVER!!!!

[@ljrockstar69]

That's why I hate going to the gym, I tried it, but never could have the motivation to do so. It's crowded and waiting for equipment to be available kills the mood. I rather have equipment at home, very convenient and more motivation.

[@tigroza]

The FIC is an absolute joke thinking those are anomalies

[@MamaJanella]

Cleaning spray needs to be ON the equipment for up to 20 minutes!

[@Know-nx5yo]

how long the cleaner needs to be on depends on the product. some are stronger than others and can be wiped off sooner.

[@user-jd1bk6sy1m]

i went to a gym once, literally once, that would not let you spray the grips on bars or bells.....outta there and never went back!

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

If you try cleaning like that in a gym people are gonna look at you weirdly. Gross.

[@Know-nx5yo]

actually, there are quite a few who clean like that. apparently, you don't see anyone coming out of the toilet stall and walk past the sink.

[@somguy728]

That's what your immune system is for right - unless you took the injection, in which case, yours is broken. Cheers

[@apextroll]

Statistically this would be the last day of your membership anyways.

[@drewsykes8231]