Doctor’s warning as people ‘catch’ chlamydia from gym equipment

Claims have been circulating online that you can catch the STI from dirty gym equipment. Now an Aussie doctor has weighed in.

A leading doctor has weighed in on viral social media claims that say that it’s possible to get chlamydia from touching gym equipment.

The rumour began with a TikToker who claimed he contracted the STI at the gym after wiping his eye with a towel that he had placed on a bench.

User @grinny45 said he had to visit his doctor after getting what he thought was “pink eye”, also known as conjunctivitis, a minor infection of the eye.

But tests revealed it was actually chlamydia.

Confused, as he hadn’t been sexually active, the doctor asked if he worked out in a public gym.

“Chances are someone has sweated on the seat you put your gym towel [on], wiped your face, and [got] pink eye,” his doctor apparently told him.

A viral rumour has spread on TikTok about chlamydia and the gym. Picture: TikTok

A user said his doctor told him he likely got the STI from wiping his face with a gym towel after putting it on a bench. Picture: TikTok

In another video, user @alaskaaayoung77 blamed this on the phenomenon of women going commando in the gym.

Others then responded and shared clips of themselves excessively wiping down gym equipment, in fear of getting “eye chlamydia”.

People then shared videos of themselves cleaning their gym equipment. Picture: TikTok

Now, Dr Zac Turner, a leading biomedical scientist and doctor from Sydney, has offered his medical verdict.

“The latest viral panic swirling around social media has gym-goers terrified that they’ll catch chlamydia from their squat racks and yoga mats,” he tells news.com.au.

“Before you start setting fire to your gym membership, let’s unpack this one with a bit of science and some sensible advice.”

Can you get chlamydia from gym equipment?

Short answer? No.

“Chlamydia is not the ghost of sweaty treadmills past, waiting to haunt your reproductive health,” according to Dr Zac.

“Unlike the flu or Staphylococcus aureus (more on that later), Chlamydia trachomatis – the bacterium behind this common STI – doesn’t survive long outside the body. It’s not living its best life on gym benches, hand weights, or ellipticals.

“For chlamydia to be transmitted, there needs to be direct, membrane-to-mucous contact, usually through sexual activity. So unless you’re getting far too intimate with the gym equipment (a conversation for another day), you can unclench your glutes – you’re safe.”

A doctor has weighed in on the claim. Picture: TikTok

Is there any possibility it could happen?

In science, Dr Zac says “we never say never” but this claim is extremely unlikely.

“Chlamydia needs a warm, moist environment like the human body to survive. Once exposed to air or gym wipes, it’s toast.

“The same applies to those viral koala chlamydia jokes – because, yes, chlamydia is a serious issue for koalas. It’s actually a different strain (Chlamydia pecorum) that affects their eyes and reproductive health. But unless you’re cuddling wild koalas mid-spin class, you’re still in the clear.”

So, how do you actually get chlamydia?

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide.

It spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex – and often, it has no symptoms, which is why testing is so important, Dr Zac says.

Left untreated, it can cause complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, fertility issues, or discomfort that’ll make those gym squats feel even worse.

“Bottom line: Use protection, get regular STI screenings, and don’t blame the dumbbells,” he adds.

It’s extremely unlikely to contract an STI from gym equipment, according to Dr Zac. Picture: iStock

Are there other risks with gym equipment?

Despite this, Dr Zac warns that there are still risks when using dirty gym equipment.

Gyms can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, but mostly the kind that causes skin infections rather than STIs.

Think staph infections or Staphylococcus aureus which can survive on surfaces like mats and weights.

“Wipe down equipment before and after use, and cover any cuts or abrasions,” Dr Zac says.

Fungal infections like athletes’ foot (Tinea pedis) and ringworm (Tinea corporis) love warm, sweaty environments, too.

Wear shoes, wash your gym towels, and avoid rolling around on shared mats without a barrier.

There are still other risks when using dirty gym equipment. Picture: iStock

Viruses like colds, the flu, and even norovirus can hitch a ride on poorly cleaned surfaces.

Dr Zac urges gymgoers to bring their own water bottle, avoid touching your face, and sanitise your hands.

So in conclusion, hygiene matters, but you almost certainly won’t be catching chlamydia from your gym – that is, unless you meet someone and take things off the gym floor …

“Wipe equipment, wash your hands, and be mindful of actual transmissible risks like skin infections,” Dr Zac notes.

“As for chlamydia? Keep your focus on protection where it counts – during sex – and leave the gym equipment out of it.

“Now go forth, hit those squats, and tell TikTok to chill and if you feel some burning ask your doctor for a pill.”