PurThread Announces Top Five Resolutions to Keep Workout Gear Fresh in 2015

PurThread® Technologies Inc., an antimicrobial textiles technology company, offers easy tips for keeping workouts and workout gear fresh and germ-free as New Year’s resolutions drive individuals to gyms nationwide. While workout regimens are a key part of any healthy lifestyle, the bacteria and germs that thrive on workout clothing, in locker rooms and on some equipment can derail the health resolutions of even the most committed individual.

Gyms and exercise facilities are hot spots for many harmful bacteria and viruses, including those that can cause ringworm, athlete’s foot and the flu. According to a study in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, rhinoviruses, the main contributors to the common cold, were found on 63 percent of the gym equipment tested.

PurThread recommends following these five simple resolutions to keep workouts and workout gear fresh and germ-free in the new year:

1. Disinfect Your Workout
Gym equipment is one key source of bacteria that can get you sick. Before you begin your workout, protect yourself from any bacteria still lingering on gym equipment by wiping it down with antibacterial wipes. Also, don’t forget to clean equipment off after you’re done to help your fellow gym-goers stay germ-free.

2. Avoid Water Fountains

It’s important to keep hydrated during workouts but public water coolers can harbor a slew of nasty bacteria and viruses. Instead, skip the public water fountain and bring your own water bottle.

3. Keep Cuts Covered
Cuts are extremely susceptible to infections so keep any open wounds well covered using bandages. Bacteria can find its way into even the smallest of cuts so make sure you’re protected during your entire workout.

4. Don’t Touch Your Face

As hard as it may be, avoid touching your face or mouth during your workout. Your hands can pick up sweat and germs so do your best to avoid wiping your face with your hands. Instead, use a clean towel – preferably one that you brought yourself. Also, don’t forget to wash your hands. Washing your hands with hot water and soap is the most effective way to prevent the spread of many infections and bacteria. For thorough cleaning, wash your hands for as long as it takes to recite the alphabet.

5. Ask for Antimicrobial Workout Gear

Viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses aren’t the only bugs to consider during a workout. We all know how working up a good sweat can work up some unpleasant smells too. Those smells are due to bacteria on your body and clothing that metabolize your sweat. To reliably beat back the stink, ask for durable, high quality gear featuring PurThread antimicrobial technology. For over a decade, silver has been used to provide antimicrobial properties to fabrics such as athletic gear but many antimicrobial fabrics apply silver topically as a coating or dip, rendering it susceptible to washing off or wearing away. PurThread is the first company to develop technology that safely embeds silver within the yarn, yielding intrinsic antimicrobial benefits that don’t wash off or wear away for the life of the fabric. Potential applications include workout gear, team uniforms, equipment bags and more.

“New Year’s is the perfect time to kick start healthier habits that will enhance your life,” said Dr. Russell Greenfield, MD, medical director for PurThread. “Exercise is a key component to a healthier lifestyle but it’s important to be aware of how easily workout facilities can become breeding grounds for germs. Even your athletic gear can play host to odor-causing bacteria, mold, mildew and fungus. At PurThread, we are committed to delivering safe and powerful antimicrobial yarns that kill these odor-causing bugs on fabrics so you can go straight from the yoga studio to the coffee shop, no sweat.”

For more information about PurThread technology and its antimicrobial capabilities, please visit www.purthread.com.

About PurThread

PurThread Technologies Inc. employs proprietary, award-winning technology to embed Kodak’s powerful EPA-registered antimicrobial silver into the core of fiber. As a result, PurThread yarns intrinsically protect fabric from the effects of microbial contamination and reduce odor-causing bacteria, mold, mildew and fungus. Products made with PurThread range from healthcare textiles, such as privacy curtains, scrubs and lab coats, to freshness products, such as performance athletic wear, socks and gear for emergency first responders and the military. The EPA has not yet reviewed any public health claims for PurThread products. PurThread yarns are 100% Made in the USA. For more information, visit www.purthread.com.