I spin at a studio that uses a pine sol cleaner to clean the bikes in between 8 classes per day. Closed environment with no really good ventilation.
Do you all stay away from all toxic cleaners always?
I have tried everything to get them to switch to green cleaners! They won't budge.
Thanks!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I don't see how you can possibly set foot in there again. It just would not be a good move at all. I've been there, tried that . . . and even exposure for a minute can affect you for days.
So, yes, I do avoid such places - totally. My body, liver, brain simply require that.
Even many "green" cleaners can be toxic -- some are "green" more in saving to the planet in some way but not so "green" in really safe for those with MCS or neurological illness / liver disease (and lyme affects all that).
Some "natural" cleaners use lavender and that can be the "kiss of death" for many with MCS, too. As can pine or cedar, even if all "natural" - so it's just better to steer clear and stick with real, good air.
Even the safest cleaner if sprayed all about the air can be irritating to anyone's lungs, too.
Certain kinds of light wands can be good but most gyms are not going to have those.
As the weather warms up, I hope you can find nature to be your best environment -- just walk, stroll, enjoy some parks and side streets away from traffic exhaust.
If you miss the companionship of the gym crowd, ask someone / those to whom you feel connection to join you in fresh air.
I'd actually be so bold as to post a note on their bulletin board so that others might see - if you want to openly invite anyone to create a walking group. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- You might inquire with one of these groups as if others have found products to convince any gym to switch or if there are any that are "safe" upon which yours might model if they were to actually see that it can be done.
But, really, you say there is not fresh air source for your gym so that, alone, would keep me away even if MCS were not in the picture. We need fresh air.
Off-gassing of the equipment is another matter entirely, too. No matter how "safe" cleaning methods are, if you have MCS, the off-gassing could be causing liver / brain / neuro reactions.
Environmental Illness Resource -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- While not always the case (and the dressing rooms can be a knock-out zone, too) but you might find a
TAI CHI, QI GONG, PILATES or RESTORATIVE YOGA
class to have better air quality, as they seem more likely (than a typical gym) to be aware of such matters.
Locate your closest MCS support groups for help in finding all kinds of "safe" locations / activities for you to enjoy. There are many out there who either need or simply desire for the best air. Hopefully, you'll find a whole host of others and places that are more aware and welcoming.
Call all the offices in your area for Naturopathic Doctors, Acupuncturists, Massage Therapists, etc. THEY might know of good places, too. Or start with your local or state organizations of such groups.
Natural foods stores, too, may know. -
Posted by droid1226 (Member # 34930) on :
That's insane. All over there's non sick people who say pine sol makes them sick and disrupts their breathing.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
That stuff is HORRIBLE!!! And to think that I actually used to use that.
Find a new gym and then be sure to tell them why you are leaving.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Another matter for so many of these kinds of cleaners, they are: ENDOCRINE DISTRUBTORS. That term will bring up some very solid reasons that any one would want to avoid (and hopefully, any establishment).
If nothing else works, endocrine disruptors can contribute to obesity. That might be very bad for gym members to realize that their very gym might be making it harder for them to achieve their weight goals (of course, the OTHER health aspects are also key).
New moms who are nursing, mothers-to-be need to be especially careful.
As to do those dealing with various endocrine and cancers issues. -
Posted by LisaK (Member # 41384) on :
I wouldn't be able to go back! is there no other place to go?
yuck
I wish everyone knew what tea tree oil does!!! it is so much better than the chemical stuff and I love the smell. but, I know not all people can handle that smell either.
Posted by supergirl (Member # 26936) on :
I had not checked back in after posting this because I went into denial as I love my spin classes so much! Of course, as you all might have guessed, I began to feel sick.
Today, I feel like I have a baseball in my throat and can't swallow.
I am in tears because the cardio is so helpful! I think the shoe spray is the worst. This spin studio provides shoes for guests, so they spray the shoes in between classes. That stuff is horrific!
You all have been so kind to respond. I'm crying because I know I have to stay away, and I don't want to.
Every one of you has instructed me to stay away. I cannot deny that...it's 100% no!
I will try one more time to convince the studio to switch to green cleaners. This is a chain spin studio with 30 studios across the U.S. The owner is from NY. Personally, I believe she is responsible for health issues her employees will have as a result. YOu would think she would care! She's making millions.
I also think of the pg women...their vaginas sitting on bike seats with toxic substances leading right into their womb where baby is!
very sad
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
They are insane to continue with those chemicals. I feel for the employees who are there every single day.
Aren't there other gyms you can go to?
Posted by onebratt08 (Member # 43577) on :
Tell them that white vinegar and water will clean anything...and it's not toxic.
Alternatively, you could check Craig's List and buy your own Spinning bike or get a bike trainer to put a bike on.
Posted by supergirl (Member # 26936) on :
I agree that they are insane to use those chemicals! And, yes, I am worried about the employees. I've had employees tell me that they've gotten terrible nose bleeds while working there. Thanks for the support and love!
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
I will try one more time to convince the studio to switch to green cleaners. This is a chain spin studio with 30 studios across the U.S. The owner is from NY. Personally, I believe she is responsible for health issues her employees will have as a result. YOu would think she would care! She's making millions.![[Smile]](smile.gif)