Your Yoga Mat is FULL of Germs, Just FYI

​Yeah yeah, yoga is good for your health, makes you zen, yadda yadda - but if there was ever a reason not to exercise, surely this is it (and not just wishful thinking.)

Dr. Robert Lahita, a professor of medicine, told Elle just how disgusting your gym equipment could be. He said:

"A yoga mat is a perfect incubator for many of our skin infections. The yoga mat is a very fertile source for infection, mainly because people sweat on them and they are rarely cleaned."

Elle even went as far as to test this theory, and the results that came back were pretty goddamn disgusting. Not only did they find bacteria from people's mouths (from coughing, sneezing etc.), there was also something called FLESH-EATING STREP, and many more revolting lurkers. Oh good lord. 

Apparently, if you're doing hot or Bikram yoga, the problem could be even worse. So how can you reduce the chances of getting yourself or someone else ill? Don't go to the gym if you're feeling under the weather, get yourself a yoga towel to keep sweat off the mat itself and  for the love of god woman: buy your own yoga mat and KEEP IT CLEAN​.

OR, even better, just make life easier and namastay at home. Problem solved.