Hygiene in the yoga class
Two years ago, upon returning from a cruise where yoga mats were piled high along the wall, I asked the question, “Who cleans the yoga mats.”
Molly Ginty, writing in Yoga Journal, discusses how to create a healthy environment in your yoga class.
Here are the highlights.
- 80% of disease is caught by direct or indirect contact — either interacting with a person who carries germs or touching a surface where those organisms live.
- Both types of contact are common in yoga centers.
Here are 7 questions to ask the yoga center to help ensure your health.
- Sanitation standards
- Who cleans the mats and how often?
- Who mops the floors and how often?
- Bacterial barriers
- Are shoes left at the door to keep bacteria out?
- What are the guidelines about wearing long-sleeves and pants?
- Hand sanitation
- Are facilities available to wash your hands before and after class.
- Are antibacterial soap available?
- Disposable towels?
- Mats
- Are private mats allowed?
- Sick students
- Are they encouraged to stay home?
The bottom line?
Yoga students are told that yoga boosts immune function. OK, but don’t forget to complement the immune benefits with a common sense approach to hygiene.
11/5/08 20:21 JR