Safety Tips For Your Gym Workout

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The weather is still great outside and, let's face it, most of us love to get outside for a good workout. But for those of you who belong to an indoor health club or are thinking about joining as the weather gets colder, I have a few tips for safe workouts.

The first has to do with cleaning equipment. Most health clubs are diligent about cleaning equipment, but I recommend wiping down the weights.

The other thing you want to do is make sure that you do it before and after you use it. We're seeing a greater problem with superficial skin infections and with the emergence of MRSA, that's methicillin resistant staph aureus. It's important to play it safe.

But there is more to worry about than just infections. You don't want to injure yourself. Take time to warm up before exercise. Most injuries occur in the first part of a workout. That's when muscles are tight.
These simple steps can make a really big difference.