It turns out the treatment resistant MRSA infection – or the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria – which is usually contracted in a hospital, can be passed on in the gym too. While the majority of Staph infections can be treated, this particular strain doesn't respond to antibiotics and, according to a 2007 report from the CDC, the “mostly hospital acquired” infection now causes more deaths in the US than AIDS. It is especially a risk to the elderly, sick and people with compromised immune systems.

The reason for Girlawhirl's and other gym goers concern is twofold: first, this so-called “super bug” can be easily transferred through open wounds. So if she nicked herself shaving, and the person who used a mat before her had an open wound too, she could potentially contract MRSA.

Second, it can also be contracted by touching contaminated objects and through skin to skin contact. For Girlawhirl that means taking an extra minute with an antibacterial wipe to clean off equipment before she uses it – and after she's done. She keeps an eye on her towel, and if anyone inadvertently picks it up, she gets a fresh one.

She's also careful to scrub her hands more thoroughly, shower as quickly as she can after a workout and steer clear of unnecessary use of antibiotics. She wants to make sure they will work when it really counts.

As for a yoga mat, Girlawhirl's been thinking about getting a new one for a while anyway. And after she saw the super cute Yoga Essentials^® Printed Mat from Gaiam, she realized there's nothing stopping her. And she plans on wiping her own mat down after each use too!

Girlawhirl bought her Yoga Essentials Printed Mat in her online shopping mall at Gaiam.com.