Make It A Healthy New Year With Harbinger Anti-Microbial Fitness Accessories

NAPA, Calif. – Come January, gyms will be filled with new members keeping their New Year's Resolutions to get in shape. Consequently, gyms will also be filled with more germs than ever. Harbinger, the industry leader in workout gloves and fitness accessories, offers anti-microbial gloves and an anti-microbial exercise mat to help keep fitness enthusiasts healthy by preventing the spread of "gym germs."

"Bacteria and viruses like the warm, moist conditions of the gym," says Michele Gaedke, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development. "They linger on heavily-handled gym equipment and in sweaty workout clothes and towels. Sweat usually dries quickly, but over time, the odor-causing bacteria latch onto the fibers, creating that lingering locker room smell."

That's why Harbinger created the FlexFit™ Weightlifting Gloves with anti-microbial mesh and the Anti-Microbial Rolled Durafoam™ Mat. Both products incorporate materials that kill or slow the growth of odor-causing bacteria. And best of all, none of these innovative treatments wash or wear out over time.

FlexFit™ Weightlifting Gloves
With its anti-microbial mesh, the FlexFit™ is the ideal, all-purpose training glove. The Women's 134 is designed specifically for a woman’s hand, while the Men's 133 is designed for men. Both have a short finger length design that allows for a more flexible and breathable fit while reducing unwanted bulk. TechGel™ Comfort Pads on the palms protect the hands during lifting and machine use. The FlexFit™ closure system ensures a comfortable and customized fit. Leather reinforcements in key wear areas improve durability. The Women's 134 glove is available in women’s sizes S-L and retails for $20.00 a pair. The Men's 133 is available in men's sizes S-XXL for $20.00.

Both men's and women's FlexFit™ gloves feature Harbinger’s patented Wash&Dry® leather technology, so they can be machine washed and dried repeatedly without losing strength or durability.  In fact, Wash&Dry® gloves actually become softer and more supple with each laundering. Natural lubricants bond to the leather of the gloves, while the sweat and grime wash away.

Anti-Microbial Rolled Durafoam™ Mat
This mat features an exclusive closed cell Anti-Microbial Durafoam™ that prevents bacterial growth and odor, and does not wear off over time and use.  It's the ultimate in cushioning and comfort, and is ribbed to provide great traction for all floor work, from stretching and floor exercises to yoga and Pilates.

This lightweight, portable exercise mat features a 5/8” double thickness for more comfortable floor workouts.  Non-skid ridges grip the floor to prevent injuries, and the mat’s moisture-resistant skin is easy to wipe clean. A removable strap makes for easy carrying and storage. The mat measures 24" wide by 72" long, and retails for $40.

In addition to wearing anti-microbial FlexFit™ gloves and using an anti-microbial mat, Harbinger recommends a few more tips to prevent the spread of gym germs:

• Before heading home, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, even if you’ve been wearing gloves.
• If you leave your kids in the gym's day care (usually a nesting ground for cold and flu bugs), have them wash their hands, too.
• Wipe down machines before and after use; most gyms supply spray cleaners and paper towels for this purpose.
• If disinfectant spray and paper towels aren't available, stash a travel pack of moist towelettes or paper towels in your gym bag. Use them rather than your own cloth towel, since you don't want your personal terry cloth bearing someone else's sweat.
• Be considerate of others when you sweat. Wipe-up after yourself!

Harbinger's FlexFit™ gloves and antimicrobial mats are available at most major, independent and specialty sporting goods retailers nationwide. Harbinger is the leading fitness accessory company in the United States. Based in Napa, Calif., Harbinger develops, produces and sells a full range of innovative, high-performance fitness products designed to enhance even the most rigorous training regimen. Harbinger’s products include fitness gloves and training gear such as balls, jump ropes, resistance cables, balance trainers and mats, which are distributed via sporting goods retailers, fitness specialty retailers and fitness clubs. For training tips, gear guides and additional information about Harbinger, visit www.harbingerfitness.com.

Note to Editor: High-resolution images and product samples are available upon request