I went back to the gym today, for the first time in weeks. I didn't go at my usual time, since I had a lot to do today between the girls skating lessons and my father's Christmas shopping. It turned out to be interesting that I went when I did because I was able to speak to a couple of employees that I don't usually see.
Me: "Hi, I'm just wondering if any new sanitation procedures have been put in place in the last couple of weeks to protect against MRSA."
Employee #1: "Oh, we don't have MRSA here."
Me: "What do you mean?"
Employee#1: "Oh, we've never had anyone here get MRSA."
Me: "I'm afraid you're wrong about that. I had a serious case, as did another morning guy that I work out with. Both of our doctors told us that we were not alone, that they had seen other cases from this gym.:
Employee #2: "No one has said anything at all."
Employee #1: "I'm sure if they thought there was a problem, they would have said something."
Me: "Have you switched anti-bacterial sprays at least?"
Employee: #2: "Um, no. We still use the same anti-bacterial, it's supposed to be good.:
Me: "It's not on the EPA certified list. I've spoken with the director about this."
Employee #1: "Oh, well, I work in the schools, I'm a teacher. MRSA really isn't a big deal. Besides, kids can give it to people by picking there nose and touching shopping carts. It's people's own fault if they don't Purell their hands when they leave..."
I roll my eyes and leave - and use my own anti-bacterial wipes for every piece of equipment that I touch.
An off-duty employee, a young weight-lifter is working out. He heard the conversation and talks to me about it. He said that NO ONE told them anything about any sort of problem. He also said that they do have very good antibacterial sprays BUT they've been told not to use them because they are "too expensive."
I checked both bulletin boards. No information sheets posts. I had provided links to the OH State Dept of Health's public service info posters for athletes that gave information and showed a picture of MRSA starting by looking just like a little pimple or ingrown hair. The state recommends these be posted. Obviously, the director didn't think it was important. She's on vacation until after the holidays...
While I'm working out, I noticed how many people use things like dumbbells and stability balls and do not wipe them down. I take out a stability ball to use and wipe it... my rag comes out FILTHY. Same with the dumbbells I used. I had mentioned to the director (as had my friend) that just as posters above the weight machines say to wipe the equipment, that similar signs are needed by the dumbbells, balls and cable machines. It wasn't done.
It's crusade time. Monday morning, I'm contacting the Health Department (which I'm pretty sure is full of a bunch of very lazy do-nothings, but I hope not). We have a very active senior citizen program at our gym - there are therefore people with compromised immune systems that need to know that EVERYTHING is being done to keep our gym as clean as possible. While it is a public place and unlikely to be germ free, I don't like this "Toss our hands in the air" attitude like Employee #1 shared with me as I was leaving. She was going on and on about how MRSA really isn't a big deal if people go to the doctor soon enough, blah, blah. How if you go through all the trouble of deep cleaning and disinfecting the place, the moment you open the doors, it's going to get all full of germs again anyway, so what is the point. I HATE THAT ATTITUDE.
It *is* a big deal if you are allergic to many antibiotics. It is a big deal if you are prone to these stinking infections. It is a big deal if you don't like pain and have better things to do than spend time in doctor's offices. Three weeks of my life have been totally screwed up because of this and I nearly flipped out on this woman. It only takes a moment to THINK and realize that each person is unique and what may be no biggie for someone, could turn into a life-threatening situation for someone else. It's worth being diligent and conscientious. Grrrrrr.
Depending on their response (they are in the same building as my gym), I will have a letter ready to submit "to the Editor" of our local newspaper. Small town here - everyone reads the local paper and the letters to the editor. A good letter will definitely make some waves.
After that, I plan on checking out another gym that is actually closer to me. Supposedly they upgraded their equipment. Last time I checked it out was two years ago and I was not impressed. If they have improved and they have a better attitude regarding patron health and safety, then they will get my business.
~o~
Today's workout. I tried to keep from working too hard - which isn't easy. Toward the end of this 50 minute workout my face was getting flushed and my forearms were turning pink. I was afraid of the hives returning, so I nixed my plan for 20 - 30 minutes of HIIT. (And it was going to be the lowest high intensity interval training I could do, too...oxymoron).
10 minutes treadmill, 4.0 mph, 4.0% incline.
40 minutes of circuit training:
machine chest press heavy, 5/125/2
machine chest press lighter, 12/90/4
leg press heavy 5/350/2
These next 3 were done as a super set, a set of each, then repeated:
squat with press light 12/50/3
dumbbell row, 1 pt, 12/50/3
sumo squat, 15/50/3
Superset of these three:
triceps extension 20/25/3
SHELC 15/3
Decline pushup 15/3
Lastly, decline bench crunches with 25 lb plate 12/2
