Jan10 Written by:Running Blogger
1/10/2008
While at work one day, I was faced with the sinking feeling that most gym members have experienced at least once: I realized I had forgotten to bring a towel for the gym.
As a graphics specialist at Worldwide Sport Supply, I often have the opportunity to get a close look at many of the products that we sell. Having photographed a Total Towel and laying out pages featuring it, I knew the details of the product by osmosis. The sales pitch goes something like this: It scoops and traps filth instead of smearing it like an ordinary towel, removes 99.6% of bacteria from hard surfaces, non-abrasive, hypo-allergenic, blah, blah, blah. All I knew was that I needed a towel for the gym, and I was fortunate enough to work at a place that sold them. (At the very least, this would save me a trip to Target.)
I will admit that the original $17.49 price tag seemed a bit steep, and I wouldn’t have bought one if I didn’t get an employee discount. (Luckily for you, the price has since been reduced to $9.99).
At first glance, the Total Towel seems slight. It is noticeably smaller and thinner than an ordinary bath towel. However, these attributes quickly reveal themselves to be assets. The technical microfiber fabric proves to be incredibly absorbent. You’ll notice the difference the first time you dry off from a shower with one. It seems to grab water off your body much more effectively than cotton. Yet somehow, it doesn’t get heavy and sopping wet with water. Factor in the reduced size, and you’ve got a superior gym towel. Who wants to put a big, heavy, soaking wet towel in their gym bag? Even though many gym bags now feature wet compartments, they are often not roomy enough to hold a typical bath towel.
I got to like the Total Towel so much that I bought four more, and even use them every day at home. (Oh! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that you should NOT use fabric softener when washing it. That seems to diminish the absorbing effect of the microfiber fabric.) Granted, the clinical blue color might not match your bathroom décor, and the feel of the fabric is not exactly luxurious plush. That said, if performance trumps glamour on your set of priorities, the Total Towel is well worth your $9.99. - Michael
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