Ever notice many gym-goers put on flip flops or sandals before hitting the showers? There’s good reason for this common (or not-so-common depending on which gym you’re at) practice. And the reasons you need flip flops for gym showers might surprise you.

1. Nail Fungal Infections

Going into public showers barefoot puts you at risk for onychomycosis, which is a nail fungal infection. While there are numerous treatments available for this type of fungal infection, the American Academy of Family Physicians says not all treatments work all the time. Onychomycosis can cause nail separation from the nail bed, nail thickening, and nail discoloration — so always protect your feet when cleaning up in gym (or other community) showers.

2. Athlete’s Foot

Another fungus that lurks in community showers causes athlete’s foot, which leads to itching and burning between toes and other parts of your feet. Dark, damp, shower floors make perfect environmental conditions for fungus to grow and thrive. These fungi also make their way to locker room floors, so keep your sandals on until you’re ready to get dressed.

3. Plantar Warts

Another reason to avoid going barefoot in community showers and locker rooms is it boosts your risk for developing plantar warts. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society suggests wearing sandals or flip flops in gym showers to lower your risk for warts, which are caused by viruses that grow in warm, moist environments (like showers and locker room floors).

4. Staph Infections

Gyms are breeding grounds for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteria (MRSA), according to the Water Quality and Health Council. The American Public Health Association says most MRSA infections are skin infections, but some can become life-threatening when bacteria enters your body through scrapes or cuts in your skin. So better to be safe than sorry, and cover your feet in gym showers and locker room floors for extra protection.

5. Pee and Poop Germs

According to Shape Magazine, 80 percent of people pee in the shower. And if this many of us are peeing in the shower regularly, you can imagine the amount of fecal material that makes its way to shower floors as well. E. coli, a bacteria in poop that causes diarrhea, might be lurking in community shower floors. Even if you don’t get sick from pee or poop germs, it’s gross to think that this material can get on your feet while showering at the gym.

6. Other Bodily Fluids

Beware of other body fluids — especially those you try not to think about — possibly present in gym shower floors. Menstruating women may leave behind traces of blood in community shower floors. Semen, sweat, saliva, mucous, and phlegm are other body fluids that might make their way to shower walls, curtains, or floors. Because you don’t know who’s been in the shower before you or what their personal shower hygiene habits are, it’s best to wear flip flops or sandals as a precaution.

Because you’re likely exposed to fungus, bacteria, viruses, or bodily fluids in gym showers (and locker room floors) without proper foot protection, always pack flip flops before hitting gym showers.

_{[Image via Getty]}