Many gyms routinely disinfect their mats, but I suspect the problem persists because the mats are not first cleaned to remove particulate. I am interested to know if anyone has investigated this in any detail. Thank you.
Bacteria do not have a dormant phase of life like molds do, so the only thing that can survive on dry matts are dormant phased yeast and fungi. When bacteria are not on your body or someone else's body, the are dry out and die because there is no source of water and food.
The question makes me so sad, thinking of all the new generation of children who are allergic to everything under the sun because they were never allowed to eat dirt, play in the sand box and exercise on dirty exercise matts.
Bacteria do not have a dormant phase of life like molds do, so the only thing that can survive on dry matts are dormant phased yeast and fungi. When bacteria are not on your body or someone else's body, the are dry out and die because there is no source of water and food.
The question makes me so sad, thinking of all the new generation of children who are allergic to everything under the sun because they were never allowed to eat dirt, play in the sand box and exercise on dirty exercise matts.
Hi Brad,
As mentioned above bacteria would not be able to survive on a dry gym matt for an overly long time. That said, certain types of bacteria may be able to survive on the matt for 4+ hours, so you might be able to take a quick swab of the matt after its stopped being used.
A swab would allow you to then culture any bacteria picked up from the matt and depending on the results you may be able to make inferences regarding the bacteria on the matts and where they may have originated
Gym foams are not as much dry to stop baterial growth. Foams can retain moisture (sweat) and organic micro debris which can assist in microbial survival for few hours to few days.
I am working on the survival of bacteria on inanimate surfaces. And I am not convinced with the idea that Foam mats (in use) are dry enough to check microbial growth.
Here you can see few references:
Wood et al. Athletic equipment microbiota are shaped by interactions with human skin. Microbiome 2015;3:25.DOI:10.1186/s40168-015-0088-3
http://www.yogajournal.com/article/teach/beware-of-germs/
http://www.elle.com/beauty/health-fitness/news/a35255/how-dirty-is-your-yoga-mat/
http://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2012/02/02/living-yoga-mat/
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