Before or after, that is the question

QUESTION: Do you wipe down the equipment at a gym before or after you workout? Or both? Which parts of the equipment do you wipe down? I never know if I should wipe down the entire thing, including the seat, handles and screens or if just the handles are OK.

CALLIE'S ANSWER: I don't wipe down my equipment before I use it. I do however wipe down everything I touch after I use it! Beware of GERMS!!

LILLIE-BETH'S ANSWER:

I usually wipe down the gym equipment — the handles and the seats — both before and after I work out. Even if it is overkill, I like to keep gym equipment clean for myself and for those working out after me. I think we all have a responsibility to wipe down equipment, especially as you hear of more drug-resistant bacteria in places that include gyms.

HELEN'S ANSWER: It is a good idea to do both. Definitely wipe down the equipment after using it, and, you might wipe down the handles before working out. When in doubt, use the spray.

GUEST'S ANSWER:

Todd Pendleton, The Oklahoman's Art Director:

I work out pretty hard so I sweat a lot. I try to always spray and wipe down all of the equipment after using it. This includes the bar after lifting weights.

Wipe down all contact spots of equipment after use (remember sweat drops on screens) and wipe down or at least use hand sanitizer during use. Nothing is nastier than walking up to a sweat-stained bench!

One practice I sometimes forget is to wipe the equipment (including barbells and dumbbells) before I use them. I'm pretty sure that gym equipment has been found to have more germs and bacteria than bathrooms!