What’s Lurking on Your Mats?

A New Era of Clean for Gyms

For gym owners and operators, cleanliness isn’t just about appearances — it’s a matter of health and responsibility, protecting your members and staff. In high-traffic fitness environments, where people sweat, share equipment, and walk barefoot on mats, athletic facilities are prime environments for the spread of infections. And one of the most common — and most frustrating and underestimated — is ringworm.

Despite its name, ringworm isn’t caused by a worm. It’s a contagious fungal skin infection that spreads via direct skin contact or by touching contaminated surfaces like mats, weights, and benches. In the world of MMA, BJJ, wrestling, and group fitness classes, where physical contact and shared spaces are constant, ringworm can spread like wildfire if left unchecked. And if you think this is a minor issue, just ask Jamie Samnang from Silver Spring, Maryland.

In a recent People magazine feature, Jamie shared her story:

“I thought maybe I'd been bitten by a mosquito, but as the days went on it kept getting worse… I was itching so severely that I was bleeding… I couldn't go to work. It was really, really bad.”

Treating her ringworm required that she apply anti fungal creams three times daily for three weeks, isolate from her family, and even replace household items to prevent reinfection.

The dermatologist's verdict?

“Gyms are one of the number one areas for ringworm because it’s hot, sweaty, and moist. It’s the perfect breeding ground for fungal growth.”

Traditional Cleaning Isn’t Cutting It

Stories like Jamie’s aren’t isolated incidents. Fungal infections, staph (including MRSA), athlete’s foot, and other pathogens are all known to thrive in gyms. While wiping down equipment is encouraged, it’s easy to miss a spot — and nearly impossible to rely on every member to disinfect properly after each use. Ringworm thrives in warm, humid environments — the very conditions found in most gyms and health clubs. Once it’s introduced into a facility, it can linger on surfaces for days, even weeks, if not properly disinfected. This puts every member at risk and can damage a gym’s reputation if not addressed quickly and effectively.

Traditional surface cleaners fall short. Many are ineffective against fungal spores, and none address the pathogens lingering in the air, especially in enclosed training areas.

Enter HOCl: Nature’s Germ Fighter

That’s where hypochlorous (HOCl) comes in. It’s a naturally occurring molecule your own body produces to fight infection — now available as a stabilized, EPA-registered disinfectant offering gyms a safe, powerful, and non-toxic disinfecting solution.

HOCl is safe, non-toxic, and powerful. According to the World Health Organization, HOCl demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including efficacy against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Research published in veterinary and infection control journals supports its ability to combat dermatophytes — the fungal family behind ringworm.

Unlike bleach or harsh chemicals, HOCl can be misted into the air and across surfaces without posing a health risk to humans, making it ideal for athletic spaces where people are breathing deeply and sweating heavily.

Genesis+HOCl: Maryland-Based and Gym-Focused

At Genesis+HOCl, headquartered right here in Maryland, we understand what’s at stake. Our HOCl atomizing systems — including the Genesis 2.6 Atomizer and UX4 Stationary Unit — provide continuous, natural disinfection of both air and surfaces.

Genesis+HOCl is trusted by professionals in many industries, including medical and dental offices, and pet care, and anyone dealing with airborne mold— including a growing number of gyms and fitness centers that have already adopted Genesis+HOCl atomizing technology. With rising awareness of skin-transmissible infections like ringworm, we’re renewing the spotlight on this proven, natural method to help athletic facilities minimize risk and safeguard their members’ health.

Don’t Let Your Facility Be the Next Headline

Jamie Samnang’s story is a reminder that “just clean” isn’t enough. Ringworm and other pathogens thrive in places where sanitation gaps exist. But with HOCl atomizing, you can go beyond the wipe-down — providing an additional layer of protection, giving your members the added safety and peace of mind they deserve.

Genesis+HOCl is proud to offer the only natural, non-toxic atomizing system designed to eliminate pathogens at the source — without disrupting your gym’s operations.

Ready to level up your gym’s hygiene? Contact us today and see how HOCl can work for your facility.