Using copper-alloy materials in fitness centers significantly reduced concentrations of bacteria on all equipment types, according to a new Grinnell University study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. 

The study shows that high-touch surfaces in gyms made with copper will maintain reduced bacterial loads, as found in similar studies performed in hospitals, according to an article on the Grinnell University website. 

A similar Grinnell study looked at copper surfaces in healthcare facilities. Overall, the copper surfaces were found to have significantly lower concentrations of bacteria, at or below levels prescribed after terminal cleaning. 

Vacant control rooms were found to have significant concentrations of bacteria.

The fitness center results could reduce the number of community-acquired infections (CAIs). Led by Shannon Hinsa-Leasure, associate professor of biology, the study found significantly fewer bacteria on equipment with copper alloy grips such as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, specialty dumbbells, grip attachments, lat pulldown attachments and low row attachments.

Read the article.