After acquiring an almost deadly staph infection at the gym, Matt Barker developed a patent-pending workout towel to protect exercisers from dangerous germs that are rampant in health clubs.

The Athlete Outfitters Safe Side Towel™ provides a barrier between the athlete and gym equipment. Most MRSA infections occur in hospitals and in other healthcare settings but the number of community-associated cases is rising in the United States. MRSA can survive for hours and even days on the surface of gym equipment and other inanimate objects.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, "using a barrier like clothing or towels between you and any surfaces you share with others (like gym equipment)…these are easy ways to decrease your risk of getting a staph or MRSA infection."

"After my terrible experience, I knew I wanted to protect other fitness buffs and athletes from these serious infections," Barker said. "There is nothing else like the Safe Side Towel^TM on the market."

The Safe Side Towel^TM Workout Edition has "gym" printed on one side and "face" printed on the other so that the athlete will never wipe his or her face or body with the gym side. Safe Side Towel^TM Locker Room Edition has a designated body side and locker room side so cross contamination in locker rooms is diminished. The towels are made with bamboo, an eco-friendly naturally antibacterial product.

The Safe Side Towel^TM can be ordered in team colors and various sizes. Wholesale pricing is available with bulk orders.