Another amazing hot yoga class at Orlando Power Yoga.  I met Katy for the 6 PM class, and we had a blast!  I’m really working hard on balance poses.  I have zero natural balance, but as the teacher said today, “You have to lose it before you can find it.”  So I try.  I fall out of my pose.  It’s OK!  I’ll never figure it out otherwise.

 

Speaking of yoga, do you know the hygienic way to fold a yoga mat?

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I never thought of how to roll my mat before, but Deb showed me the light in this great post.  Basically, you want to fold it in half before rolling, which keeps the outside germs on the outside instead of rubbing it all over the place where you put your face (and mouth).

 

Other than yoga, my day included a doctor’s appointment, freaking out over my bank account (not in a good way), and getting my work on. 

 

Afternoon eats included almond buttah and crackers.

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And an orange:

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Dinner was simple and fast – just steamed Brussel sprouts and a grilled cheese with arugula.

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Dessert was a special treat from Savvy Julie.  She sent me a pack of brownies from Marche Noir.  This Cabernet Brownie was SO delicious!

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More brownies should include cabernet flour. 

 

Off to bed!

 

Are you a germaphobe who thinks about things like germs on  yoga mats?  Because I totally am (I am crazy about the cleanliness of the floor).

{ 83 comments }

 

  • Carolina John April 28, 2010, 9:39 pm

    I love yoga but have never folded my mat like that. Good idea!

  • Evan Thomas April 28, 2010, 9:48 pm

    I should be so much more germaphobic, but I’m not. I don’t even wear slippers into the common restroom showers in the morning. I must have some good antibodies in me

  • simpledaisy April 28, 2010, 9:48 pm

    I am not too much of a germaphobe!! I am teacher…so I get sneezed on and coughed on all day long:)
    That brownie thing looks awesome!!!

  • Laura Georgina April 28, 2010, 9:49 pm

    I’m not a germphobe at all until someone points things out to me. The mat folding makes me realize how many germs I’ve wallowed in and ingested on my mat. Ewwww…. But at least now I know better!

  • Jenny April 28, 2010, 9:50 pm

    I’m not a germophobe but that brownie looks delish!

  • Megan@EatScrapRun April 28, 2010, 9:51 pm

    My husband turned me into a germaphobe, but in a good way. I am much more aware now of what I touch. After my triathlon on Sunday I felt gross from swimming in salt water and then sweating while running and biking. At the end of the race everyone was sticking their hands into these big trays of grapes. I thought it was the grossest thing ever, but prior to knowing my husband, I probably wouldn’t have thought twice about having some.

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin April 28, 2010, 9:54 pm

    I’m not really a germaphobe and never even thought about the germs on my yoga mat before this post.. haha. But, I did try Bikram yoga tonight for the first time ever and I am in love!!

  • Mary April 28, 2010, 9:55 pm

    Me too! my boyfriend and I both have dogs and I also have a cat. there is no 5 second rule in our house. I’m constantly vacuuming and mopping. Maybe its because i’m a nurse that i’m such a freak about that stuff… i dont know.

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) April 28, 2010, 10:00 pm

    I used to not be worried about germs at all but I think getting older makes me more conscious of it. Especially now that I’m cleaning the floors/counters/etc myself and actually see how nasty they get!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing April 28, 2010, 10:01 pm

    Brownies?! Yes please!!!
    I’m not a germ-a-phobic but there are certain things that I’m picky about.

  • Matt April 28, 2010, 10:07 pm

    I am a total germaphobe!

  • John April 28, 2010, 10:07 pm

    Definitely not a germaphobe! Can you say 5 second rule?

  • ashleigh April 28, 2010, 10:08 pm

    Arugula + Cheese grilled?? Sounds amazing!!

    I used to be a CRAZY germaphobe to the point I never let anyone hug me bc I thought it was gross. I got over it but I’m still a bit obsessed with anti bacterial and wash my bathtub b4 I take a bath even though I live by myself 🙂 I also usually will wipe gym equipment down before I use it in case the person before me didn’t!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite April 28, 2010, 10:09 pm

    I’ve never thought about how I fold my yoga mat before! Now I’m going to fold it in half, then roll it up 🙂

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad April 28, 2010, 10:11 pm

    I’m totally loving this yoga mat folding procedure. I’m a total germophobe when it comes to my feet potentially catching germs. During yoga class, I refuse to step off of my mat onto the “dirty” floor.

    And when I shared a house with a disgustingly dirty roommate, I never once touched the floor with my bare feet. I wore flip flops and house shoes at all times.

  • Claire April 28, 2010, 10:16 pm

    I have always thought about the germs on my mat and clean it every so often but definitely not enough! I will have to try this way of folding…

    that brownie sounds delicious!

  • Lee April 28, 2010, 10:22 pm

    I’m totally not a germaphobe at all. It’s probably a little gross actually. But I maintain that it’s why I don’t get sick very often.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman April 28, 2010, 10:24 pm

    Yes, I’m a total germaphobe, which is why I love Deb for that trick. Genius.

  • Heather Dawn April 28, 2010, 10:27 pm

    What a great tip! I will have to fold my mat like that from now on! I am only a germaphobe on certain things. Mostly public restrooms. Its a pet peeve when places don’t provide seat covers!

  • brianna April 28, 2010, 10:32 pm

    have to agree with lee #17 here…..i am not a germaphone at all….and i am NEVER sick. like a small cold once a year, tops.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) April 28, 2010, 10:34 pm

    man, i am totally NOT a germophobe at all…not even a little bit! although i will say that is a cool way to fold the mat 🙂

  • Jennifer April 28, 2010, 10:36 pm

    Eww never even thought of the floor germs when rolling up my mat! At least I only go to the 6am class…semi-clean floors in the hot yoga studio. Thanks for the idea!

  • Gracie (complicated day) April 28, 2010, 10:40 pm

    No, to be honest with you. I eat off the floor and other gross things. Growing up with a jillion brothers will do that to you.

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople April 28, 2010, 10:56 pm

    Oh my gosh, I NEVER thought about folding my yoga mat in any particular way! I haven’t taken a class in years, but I am definitely commiting that to memory!

  • Kat April 28, 2010, 10:58 pm

    I’m not really a big germaphobe but I would always get super grossed out at how dirty the floor was at my gym and had to clean off my yoga mat after every class. I never thought about just folding it in half first, amazing idea haha thanks for sharing!

  • Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle April 28, 2010, 11:05 pm

    I never thought of that with my yoga mat somehow… ew! Cabernet Brownie? That is my dessert heaven.

  • Christie April 28, 2010, 11:07 pm

    I am right there with you about the germs! Sometimes I look at my mat and just want to throw it away thinking about the possibilities… **SHIVER!**

    ~Christie

  • Miranda @ www.mirandasjeans.blogspot.com April 28, 2010, 11:09 pm

    OMG! I was such a germaphobe like I’m talking hard core. When I was 18 over the course of 4 years I worked housekeeping at my local hospital to put myself through school. *bleck* I’ve since calmed down significantly, however tonight I realize how gross my yoga mat is when I roll it just coiled. Going to have to sanitize it before Hot Yoga tomorrow night, as I just got home from Hot Yoga at 10:30 and just coil rolled it. Thank you for this tip.

    Tonight my balance was off too, I couldn’t even get into dancer which is normally a no brainer for me. I think it’s also important to note that though you might have awesome balance one day and find it easy, the next day you might have none and that is ok. Everyone has off days like that, just accept it and try again.

    I love Hot Yoga!!!

  • Teri [a foodie stays fit] April 28, 2010, 11:09 pm

    I’m totally a germaphobe. Great advice on the yoga mat! I’m going to clean mine (it’s needs a good wipe down after all my Bikram classes lately) and then start using that method. Thanks!

  • Annie April 28, 2010, 11:12 pm

    Hehe I wasn’t a germaphobe until you pointed out (the obvious) about rolling up the mat! Ick! I will definitely be rolling mine up that way now! 🙂

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) April 28, 2010, 11:15 pm

    I’m not a germaphobe naturally but now I’ll definitely be rolling my mat the “correct” way.

  • Cindi April 28, 2010, 11:20 pm

    OMG – yes! The Y I work out at here in Charlotte (well, Fort Mill) has THE GROSSEST equipment! I literally run from the gym straight home to my shower – eck! Thanks for the great yoga mat tip. Now if I could only get my gym to teach yoga classes at times I can attend…….

  • Lisa @ bakebikeblog April 28, 2010, 11:28 pm

    I am not too much of a germaphobe – but my hubby is!!!!

  • Wei-Wei April 28, 2010, 11:35 pm

    I’m not as germaphobic as most… when I was little and I dropped a piece of food on the floor, my mom would pick it up, wash it and say, “A few germs are good for you!” And then I’d just eat it… food is food! I don’t know if there’s logic in that saying, though… maybe it builds up bacteria resistance? 😛

    Have a great night! 🙂

    Wei-Wei

  • Me-Linh @ Sweet and Sweat April 28, 2010, 11:37 pm

    I’m a huge germaphobe! I definitely wrap up my yoga mat like that.

  • Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards) April 28, 2010, 11:38 pm

    Folding my mat like that changed my life… I felt so much cleaner… but then when I realized that my face was still all up on the side of the mat where my sweaty feet hang out, it’s still pretty gross 🙂

  • Caitlin April 28, 2010, 11:39 pm

    Never really though about the cleanliness of my mat before…guess thats kind of gross in retrospect! But the owner of the studio told me the floors are anti-bacterial…whatever that means!

  • Camille April 28, 2010, 11:58 pm

    What an interesting and different brownie!
    Sounds delicious!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) April 29, 2010, 12:43 am

    I am a bit of a germaphobe, but not about things like a yoga mat … more about people taking a sip out of my drink, or a bite from my food if they aren’t REALLY good friends.

  • Caroline April 29, 2010, 12:55 am

    I used to be so germaphobic! I would even spray down my yoga mat with antibacterial stuff .. then I took a few microbiology and virology classes. It’s just amazing what we think of as “clean” or “germ free” .. Unless I’m in actual dirt or filth, it doesn’t bother me anymore!

  • Brian April 29, 2010, 1:14 am

    WHy is it that you have almond butter instead of peanutbutter?

    • Caitlin April 29, 2010, 8:35 pm

      I just like it more 🙂

  • Lauren @ One Day at a Time April 29, 2010, 1:17 am

    I am a germophobe! I wash my hands all.the.time and they get dried and cracked…then I try using lotion but it just gets washed off with my next “hand wash”. Its getting pretty bad. Not to a point of OCD, but just not good for the health of my poor hands.
    Thanks for the link for the proper way to fold a yoga mat- definitely good to know!

  • Emily April 29, 2010, 1:58 am

    Yes! I even had our landlord take his shoes off when he came around. I think it’s a good quality 🙂

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 29, 2010, 2:08 am

    I’m definetly not a germaphobe..I wish I was! I think it comes from having horses – there’s so much dirt around naturally outside you kinda get used to it :s

  • Hedda April 29, 2010, 3:03 am

    No, I am more of a pig, haha! I don’t mind germ that much actually, but of course it depends.
    I do prefer clean toilets when I am out eating for instant.
    I was really germaphobic during my worst period of eating disorder though, and was afraid of pretty much everything, because I was afraid to be infected with something or to get calories on my fingers.
    I am glad that is over.

  • Orla April 29, 2010, 4:17 am

    I am weird about germy feet. I always ALWAYS take my running socks (and all socks) off and wash them inside out since I was told that all the dead skin and germies are (obviously) on the inside of the sock as that is the part beside your skin. Freaked me out and I am completely neurotic about it now.
    I have also been known to give out to people (in public) if they cough or sneeze without covering their face. It is bad manners not to as far as I am concerned. (and before anyone thinks I randomly go around as the sneeze police – it is if I am in line at the bank or supermarket etc.)
    Writing it down really makes me sound a little mad!!! ah well.

  • Julia @ British Bride April 29, 2010, 4:19 am

    Never thought of it before – but I will now! Thanks a BUNCH! ha ha. Have a good day!

    Julia

  • Annie April 29, 2010, 4:37 am

    Never knew that about proper yoga mat rolling procedure. Good tip!

  • jassy April 29, 2010, 5:53 am

    I’m not a germaphobe because I work in a hospital but i could say that I’m cautious because right after work I wash my hands, then take a bath when I come home. Alcohol and other antiseptics are my friends. =)

  • Christie {Honoring Health} April 29, 2010, 6:32 am

    Good tip about the mat folding, I’ve been practicing yoga for over three years and have never seen that done before. As far as germs on my mat, I don’t really think of them. First, because I use a towel on my mat everytime I practice and it is rubber on one side and towel on the other so the wetness from my sweat does not soak through. And secondly, I always shower before I practice (and after for those wondering), as hokey as it sounds, a clean body aids in a clean mind and I always feel that my practice is better and less distracted if I have showered first. And the yoga studio itself has very high standards of cleanliness to aid in that whole clear mind thing.

  • Jessica @ WHY DONTCHA RUN April 29, 2010, 6:35 am

    Wow! Thanks for the tip on properly folding a yoga mat. 🙂 That makes so much sense, and yet I’ve never thought twice about rolling my mat up with all that “funk” getting onto the “good side”. Sweet!

  • Lauren April 29, 2010, 7:16 am

    I saw a tv documentary recently on germophobes. A woman was on who had three small kids and was trying to convince everyone that her house was completely germ free. A camera crew followed her all day and found that yes, her house was virtually germ-less. However she went to a department store with her kids and put her purse/diaper bag on the floor of the restroom. When she came home she put that same diaper bag on her countertops and the bacteria/germs/nastiness shocked the pants off of everyone. Next time you’re in a public restroom, put your bag/purse/whatever safely on the hook behind the door and keep it away from the floor.

    • caitlin April 29, 2010, 9:38 am

      EWWWWWWWWWW who would do that??? I would NEVER put my purse on the floor of a bathroom!!!!

  • Amanda (Amanda "runs") April 29, 2010, 7:41 am

    I’m not a germaphobe, but my friend spent half an hour cleaning my classroom. Mostly the whiteboard..

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing April 29, 2010, 7:55 am

    haha, for some reason im not a germaphobe at all. i dont worry about germs and i never get sick! i think worrying too much about everything being clean all the time can affect our immune systems negatively because they never have the chance to build up resistance.

  • emptynutjar April 29, 2010, 8:11 am

    I am really am not too too bad in terms of being a clean – freak. I don’t clean the bathroom or anything as much as I should.
    My cleaning issues though are the kitchen (cannot stand dirty dishes, etc…so living with roomies is not good on that end)…I also cannot stand snooping cats…my roommates have cats and they poke in around my storage area (no way to block them unless i ask the roomies to lock up the cats!)…i hate that..i hate the hairs and the smell 🙁
    but i guess there are worse things in life!
    Caitlin, what time do u get up in morning and go to bed? Do you follow a set routine/schedule? How do you stay organized (any organization notebooks or calendars?). I get confused with notebooks (diary, goals, things to do, etc)…i am completely unorganized!

    • caitlin April 29, 2010, 9:40 am

      i crash around 10 or 11 and wake up around 7 or 8 (i’m self employed so i don’t have to be up at a set time). i keep a paper list next to me with all the things i have to do and then i triage it by emergency. i.e. level 1 is “i have to get this done” and level 2 is “it would be nice to get this done before level 1” and level 3 is “probably will get done tomorrow” this really helps me stay focused throughout the day and not do the easier stuff first.

  • Katie (Sweet Tater) April 29, 2010, 8:18 am

    i use a yogitoes towel over my mat that gets washed every time so i kind of ignore just how gross my mat is getting beneath it… :-/

  • Kelly April 29, 2010, 8:32 am

    I’m a germiphobe at the gym. Locker room floors and sweaty equipment freak me out.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat April 29, 2010, 8:46 am

    I never thought about folding a yoga mat that way, thanks! Hope things get better for your finances soon 🙂

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) April 29, 2010, 8:46 am

    I saw that post too, and now I always, always fold in half before rolling! Ick ick ick. I love the balance poses too.

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit April 29, 2010, 8:52 am

    I’m a total germaphobe, and I think about the germs on my yoga mat every time I practice! But I make myself get over it.

  • Heather (runningwithsass.com) April 29, 2010, 8:56 am

    I am weird about germs on certain things but not everything. I am a teacher so we use hand sanitizer like it’s goiing out of style!

  • Helen April 29, 2010, 8:57 am

    I am so obsessed with cleanliness, to the point that i refuse to clean the shower incase I get the germs on my hands…wierd I know. My bf gets all the best jobs!

  • Emily Eats Clean April 29, 2010, 9:03 am

    Ohhh I love the yoga-folding mat tip….thanks for sharing!!!

    -emily

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly April 29, 2010, 9:06 am

    YES! I always bring my own mat to the gym because I got ringworm from one before. How disgusting is that?!?!

  • Red Head, Yellow Dog April 29, 2010, 9:07 am

    hey! I remember seeing that you said you wiped down your floors everyday – what do you use?? I’ve just been using 7th generation multi-purpose spray and a paper towel but i know there are better ways! I was thinking of getting one of those swiffer wet jet things? I feel like I’m in a constant battle with keeping my apartment clean! boyfriend+dog+me in law school = cleaning gets out of control really fast.

    • caitlin April 29, 2010, 9:35 am

      hahaha i like the swiffer wet jet but i hear the way to go is the shark (but it’s $$). i just use a towel soaked in pine sol (old school style!).

  • Therese April 29, 2010, 9:10 am

    I’m pretty laid back in the germ department with the exception of always putting the lid on the toilet down before I flush after I heard about the contents spraying out to a 3 foot radius! Blech! Other than that I’m not too picky although when I got my yoga mat I did wonder about cleaning it due to sweat (I figure a non-chemical wash in a spray bottle?).

  • Megan April 29, 2010, 9:14 am

    I am totally not a germ-a-phob! Probably the opposite, bordering on gross girl 🙁 Since my yoga and pilates classes are at a park district gym, the mats are getting a serious workout. But, if I’m really sweaty, I will wipe down my mat for the next person. You gotta pay it forward!

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing April 29, 2010, 9:14 am

    I am definitely not a germaphobe, which I think has led to my good immune system. 🙂

  • Dana April 29, 2010, 9:16 am

    Well I honestly never thought about the germs on my mat but I will be now! hah..

    That brownie looks great, where’d you get it?

  • Cyclist Kate April 29, 2010, 9:58 am

    I have many, many times thought of how nasty my yoga mat is–I mean, my FEET in summer are no pretty picture (flip flops make for dirty feet) and then I’m sweating all over the place and putting my face on the mat and EWWWWW. But I do my best–wipe my mat down regularly, wash my feet before practice, and then just decide to not worry about it too much.

  • Michelle April 29, 2010, 10:41 am

    I have wanted to try Hot Yoga! My friend does it at Bikram Yoga of Orlando (I think that’s the name). Im too chicken to try it yet. 😛

    • caitlin April 29, 2010, 11:18 am

      try orlando power yoga, its hot yoga but much more friendly. if you want to go with me, let me know!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers April 29, 2010, 10:45 am

    Oh my goodness I fold my yoga mat like that, and I ALWAYS get weird looks at the end of class. Glad I’m not the only one.

  • Clare April 29, 2010, 11:41 am

    I love this blog and YOU and I read every day. I don’t comment a lot but I wanted to say that I had the same struggle with balance poses in yoga until I remembered something from my childhood years in ballet – the key is keeping your back straight. Seriously- as soon as your spine is straight, you can stay in a balance pose longer than ever! Let me know if it works for you.

  • Scargosun April 29, 2010, 12:12 pm

    Not a germophobe at all. I have one mat I use for my studio classes and I am not worried about what is on the floor there. Also, you already put your bare feet on the mat. If you walk around barefoot,even just in your home, you are getting that on the mat then folding it in half so the foot part is at the head part. There is no escaping the microbe. What does not kill you, makes you stronger, literally when it comes to germs. 😉

  • Bree April 29, 2010, 1:18 pm

    I am totally a germaphobe. I drive my husband nuts. I have only owned a yoga mat for a few months and I thought to fold it like that right away. My mind is always 10 steps ahead when it comes to what touched what where and when.

  • Lisa April 29, 2010, 5:41 pm

    Wow, I had no idea there was a way to roll the yoga mat correctly! I am a total germaphobe. This never crossed my mind.

  • Kiersten April 29, 2010, 7:42 pm

    I think about germs on EVERYTHING. I’m really anal about cleaning.

  • Lisa @ Early Morning Run April 29, 2010, 8:26 pm

    Your meals look fantastic! Those truffles, and the grilled cheese!! Yum!
    I’m trying hot yoga on Sunday and can’t wait! well, I did try it once before, but it wasn’t very hot. This time, I know it will be! Thanks for the tip on how to roll my mat!

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