The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) has condemned an article about gyms published in the Daily Mail for being grossly inaccurate.

The FIA asserts that the “misleading and sensationalist” article – Is going to the gym bad for your health? – could have an adverse impact on the success of current campaigns which aim to encourage the general public to improve their general health and wellbeing.

The article claimed: “Dangerous bacteria lurk on gym equipment and water bottles as well as in hot tubs and changing rooms”.

Such claims have been rebuked by the FIA for being generic and non-specific to health and fitness clubs, particularly those approved by the association.

The FIA said: “Every FIA member is compliant with the industry’s Code of Practice which sets stringent criteria in accordance with legislation published by the Health and Safety Executive.”

In addition, in response to the newspaper’s assertion that the “Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported that about 100 men and women had contracted a strain of the MRSA superbug at their gym or sports centre”, the HPA contended that they “are unaware of any link between C-MRSA and health clubs. These cases were acquired within the community.”