The Rec Plex underwent bacterial testing by a Fairfield student conducting a biological experiment, and while some areas were clean enough, others were downright nasty.
Carolyn Canonica ’05 tested the Rec Plex for microbes in the gym for a biology project. She swabbed an elliptical machine, a Nautilus machine and an exercise mat.
“We grew [the samples] for a few days, and we found the mats had the most growth: bacterial and fungal,” she said. “The elliptical and Nautilus machines didn’t have too much growth, just bacteria which is the normal one found on people’s skin. . . nothing too surprising.”
Cannonica said she also tested a sample of the disinfectant that is left out with the towels for people to use to clean the machines when they are done. It does prove effective against the bacteria found on skin, but it won’t work on fungal bacterial.
“The mats were disturbing,” she said, “No one ever cleans them, there’s no way to clean fungal growth. Also, we’re assuming someone had cleaned the elliptical machine right before we swabbed it.”
Phil Palumbo, director of the Rec Plex, said this is the first study of this type done at the gym.
“I felt it would be interesting data to have regardless of whether it was positive or negative,” he said.
Although he has not had a chance to read the report yet, he has been informed of the overall outcome of the experiment.
“Those exercise mats are not ours. I am not sure where they came from. They are being thrown out,” said Palumbo.
As for the other machines, there are always going to be people that don’t wipe them down when they are through, or wipe them down thoroughly enough.
“We try to wipe down all machines three times per day, though that is difficult depending on usage,” he said. “Members are extremely diligent about wiping down the equipment.”
He said the only time members don’t wipe down the machines is when they run out of towels, which happens occasionally.
“We have over 200 towels in circulation, though I must admit we get cut short sometimes.”
As for the Nautilus machines downstairs, they have no towels or spray available to clean them.
Palumbo said the because of the nature of the machines people are only on each one for a few minutes, and he doesn’t think people would take the time to clean each one thoroughly after use.
“When I read the report’s findings, I will reevaluate our procedures to ensure the machines are clean,” he said.
Students were concerned about the bacteria in the mats, but adamant that they do their part in cleaning the machines.
“I don’t use the mats, that’s gross,” said Angela Pellegrini ’08. ” But I do clean the machines upstairs every time I use them.”
Jennie Silvia ’08 agreed.
“It’s important for people to clean just so other people don’t have to be exposed to someone else’s germs. Down in the Nautilus room they don’t have anything so we can’t clean the stuff off,” she said, “but if they did I would definitely clean the machines after I used them.”
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