The gym is synonymous with exercise and health. But common community infections, including respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal infections can be contracted in athletic facilities. Good gym hygiene practices and personal cleanliness can help to prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risks infection.  This brochure prepared by the Simmons Centre for Hygiene and Health, Boston, USA, gives  simple guidelines to help protect everyone using the gym: http://www.simmons.edu/hygieneandhealth/docs/gym_hygiene_brochure.pdf