Benefits of Using a Sweat Towel

　　As mentioned, it’s gym etiquette to ensure you have your sweat towel to wipe the sweat off your body and the machines or equipment you use. The whole point of exercising is to work up a sweat, but keeping that sweat to yourself is important as sweat contains bacteria and germs. These microbes can linger on surfaces and quickly transfer from person to person, but a sweat towel is one of the easiest ways to reduce the spread.

　　The following are some of the benefits of using a sweat towel:

　　1. Minimizes Spread of Germs

　　Cleanliness and sanitation are more important than ever, and sweat towels are a quick and easy way to limit the spread of germs and bacteria at the gym. Germs are prevalent in gyms, and studies have found several types of bacteria on commonly touched surfaces at gyms, including:

　　Handrails

　　Exercise machines

　　Floor mats

　　Dumbbells

　　Restroom surfaces

　　These bacteria transfer from surfaces to your hands as you use the facilities and equipment at the gym. If you use your bare hands to wipe sweat from your body and face, you transfer all the bacteria within it to your skin. If the sweat is on your hands, it also increases your chances of spreading it to other parts of the gym, including to other people.

　　By using a sweat towel, you minimize your exposure to dirt and bacteria, trapping it in the towel instead. Sweat towels may also help protect you from the risk of more serious illnesses by reducing your exposure to bacteria like salmonella, which spreads quickly and easily from person to person.

　　2. Provides Added Protection

　　Gyms generally provide patrons disinfectant wipes or solutions to wipe down equipment before and after use. Everyone should be taking advantage of these tools to keep themselves and others safe. For more protection, you can place a sweat towel on the equipment where your hands or body are likely to touch to act as a barrier against any germs the disinfectant wipes may not have killed. This is also a great way to transfer some of your sweat directly onto the sweat towel and protect the equipment from any bacteria you may be carrying.

　　Make sure the towel you use as a barrier isn’t the same towel you use to wipe the sweat off yourself. The germs from the equipment can easily transfer onto your skin, so it’s more sanitary to have designated towels to use as barriers and for wiping your body.

　　3. Keeps You Feeling Clean

　　Even if you love working out, you probably aren’t a fan of feeling hot and sweaty. Though ideal for their sanitary perks, sweat towels also help you feel dry and fresh when you use them to remove sweat from your face and body.

　　They also prevent sweat, dirt and oil — which can potentially lead to clogged pores and pimples — from accumulating on your skin. You should shower or wash your face after every workout, but during your workout, a sweat towel acts as a good way to keep the sweat from settling.