To avoid the discomfort, dry off your groin area after the rest of your body and use talc powder to absorb moisture before dressing. Keeping your skin dry and clean helps prevent bacteria from growing. Do not leave damp towels or workout clothing in your locker. This dark, moist place is the perfect environment for germs to thrive. Colds, flu and other diseases can be passed through cross-contamination, the transfer of germs from one surface or person to another.
Workout equipment can also become a breeding ground for cross-contamination.
Catching a cold can begin with just one person wiping his nose with his hand before griping the weight machine bars. Some germs can linger on surfaces for up to six hours, so if you are the next person to use the equipment, you can catch a cold, too. Rhinovirus, the leading cause of the common cold and respiratory tract infections, is spread most often by cross-contamination. To help avoid catching and spreading germs, wipe off gym equipment before and after you work out, using spray bottles of disinfectant and paper towels. Don't forget to wipe down surfaces on locker room benches, mats, equipment keyboards and handles.