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Your Business 10 Ways to Beat


Body Odour Sweat itself is odourless. The unpleasant smell develops when bacteria on the skin start to break down sweat. Follow these tips for a sweet-smelling body.


“None of the people I


have spoken to about


body odour


knew it was a problem.”


“After a bit of casual conversation I


1. Wear fresh workout clothes every time. Never re-wear a sweaty T-shirt or socks that have dried out in your locker or gym bag overnight.


2. Wash your body with anti-bacterial soap. Wash thoroughly, especially those areas prone to sweating.


3. Apply your deodorant or antiperspirant twice a day.


4. Apply aluminum or zinc-based deodorant that fends off odour-causing bacteria.


5. Check with your doctor to be sure your body odour isn’t related to a medical issue. Ask about prescription antiperspirants.


6. Avoid foods that make you sweat, such as hot peppers, hot sauce and spicy food.


7. Use a laundry detergent with special additives that attack hard-to-remove odours that linger even aſter regular washing.


8. Don’t use fabric soſtener in the dryer. It creates a barrier that can lock in smells and break down stretchy fabrics.


9. Beware of some of the new high-tech fabrics. While they may be comfortable and dry quickly, some of them retain body odours aſter washing.


10. Replace your workout clothes with newly purchased ones on a regular basis. Some smells and stains linger in fabric despite good hygiene and regular washing.


24 Fitness Business Canada Summer 2018


say something like, ‘I wanted to men- tion something to you. It’s a bit awk- ward, and I hope I don’t offend you, but a couple members have mentioned to me that your body odour is quite noticeable. This is the kind of thing that people often don’t realize them- selves, so I wanted to bring it to your attention. Other members I’ve spo- ken to about this issue often find they just need to always wear fresh work- out clothes or to use a more power- ful deodorant. Or it could be a medical issue.’” director of fitness Montreal


MORE THOUGHTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CLUB MANAGERS “When their significant other or a


good friend isn’t there to tell them, some people just don’t know they smell. I find the issue is often mem- bers not washing their clothes after a workout. They leave them in their locker and put them on again the next workout without realizing how smelly they have become. The solution is usu- ally pretty simple and just about wear- ing fresh workout clothes every time, showering more regularly or using deodorant.”


“People will either say they didn't


know or that they don't believe me. None of the people I have had to speak


to about this knew it was a prob- lem. Everyone was embarrassed. One person quit, one person stayed but doesn’t chat with me anymore, and the third person stayed and we have car- ried on our relationship as if nothing happened.”


“I was uncomfortable in the past and


found this kind of conversation really hard. But I find it easier now because I know that I'm genuinely helping the person and the people they interact with in the club. It's kind of like when someone's fly is down—most people want to know.”


Be proactive and include informa-


tion in your new-member package/ guidelines regarding showering and good hygiene at the gym. List proper hygiene along with other rules, such as racking dumbbells, not dropping weights and wiping down equipment.


Remember that perfume and after-


shave and other scents can be just as irritating to some members. Post a sign asking members to be considerate of other members with allergies and to refrain from wearing or spraying scent- ed products. FBC


Barb Gormley is the senior editor of Fitness Business Canada, a freelance writer and editor, and a certified personal trainer. Contact her at www.barbgormley.com.


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