How To Stop Yoga Mat Slipping On Floor
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Here at Yogamatsstore.com, we believe regular physical activity can help body and mind stay health and alert. Yoga can be a great way to improve your fitness and stay healthy. One piece of yoga equipment you’re going to need is a yoga mat, that’s fairly obvious I know, but did you know, not all yoga mats are non slip.
Imagine the scene, you’ve purchased your mat in good faith, and now you’re about to start the downward facing dog pose. But as you move position on your mat, you realize your mat is causing your foot to slip. Fear not; this is a regular problem. It’s because most yoga mats have a chemical protective layer applied to them to stop them wearing out quickly.
The downside to the chemical layer is that it makes the mat slippery!
In this post we will attempt to alleviate the slipperiness of your yoga mat, with some basic yoga mat advice that you may now know!
How to Make Your Yoga Mat Less Slippery
Tip #1 – Try Breaking It In
Just like a new pair of shoes, a yoga mat should be broken in before use. New mats need about a week to be broken in completely. Even then, some mats may still retain some slipperiness, so you’ll need to continue with our other tips if this is the case.
How do i actually break in a yoga mat?
The best way is to use it on a daily basis for 1 week. This helps break down the chemical particles on the mat surface as it grinds against the floor with your movements. After one week, you should notice a difference.
Tip #2 – Purchase A Double-sided Mats
If breaking in doesn’t work, then it’s time to consider other options. You may have no choice but to switch to a new mat, but this time, choose a double-sided one, as these have better traction.
One side is the regular yoga mat, while the other side consists of a cotton or polyester blend that keeps the mat glued to the floor while you’re using it.
We recommend this one:
Wacces High-Density Anti-Tear Non-Slip Double-Sided YOGA MAT with Carrying Strap
Here is what one avid reviewer said about this mat
“This yoga mat is great. I am not an avid yoga master or anything like that but my experience with them is enough to know this is great. I’m really tall and so is my boyfriend so the fact that the length of this is really long is great! The thickness is perfect and the color options are great. I got the green and orange one and love it. This mat is also at the perfect price.”
Tip #3 – Use a Towel
A great way of avoiding buying another yoga mat is to use a towel on top of your slippery mat as a better grip.
You simply spray your mat with water, only a thin layer, then apply a thin towel directly on top of your mat.
This creates additional traction which helps your feet and hands from slipping. It does mean buying a yoga towel but at least it should be cheaper than another yoga mat.
You will of course, have to perform this task every yoga session, to keep the traction, which can be a bit of a pain.
Tip #4 – Use Microfiber Towels
Ok, so you’ve tried a regular yoga towel and it hasn’t worked. Now what? Well, another method is the use of a microfiber towel. These are much thinner than a regular yoga towel, which helps provide additional traction.
Using the same thin water spray method of the regular yoga towel, you then place your new microfiber towel on top of the mat. This should definitely work better.
Our favourite is this one available on Amazon here
Tip #5 – Try Removing The Chemical Layer
Towels may be a quick fix, but if you’re determined to keep the mat you bought and you want a permanent fix, then try this method of removing the outer chemical finish.
You’ll remember some yoga mats have this chemical layer to protect against knocks and scrapes, but the layer creates a slippery surface which can obviously be quite annoying.
Removing this layer can be trial and error, but this is one way of achieving it.
Use some organic soap to thoroughly clean the mat exterior, then use some apple cider vinegar, mixed with water (1 part-5 parts) and use a towel to apply the mix, by rubbing it into the protective layer. Try this as many times as needed, before rubbing the mat dry.
Tip #6 – Washing Your Mat
Some yoga mats are made of PVC materials, and these can be washed. You can either scrub the mat with a brush and some soap, or you can place the mat in a washing machine and wash it on a gentle cycle, as to not damage the mat.
Once washed, leave the mat out to dry. Do not attempt to tumble dry the mat as this could ruin the material altogether.
Tip #7 – Use Sea Salt
Now this is another popular method.
Place a quantity of large-grained sea salt into the middle of your mat. Spread it out and rub down the whole surface of the mat. Afterwards, allow the mat to sit for 24 hours before rinsing off the salt with warm water and a soft sponge.
Conclusion
I’m pretty sure one of the methods listed above, will help you get better traction. It’s very common for yoga mats to slip, but following some of these methods should help.
If all else fails, you could try contacting your yoga mats manufacturers for either, further information or a replacement mat.
I do hope this article as helped, and don’t forget, you can always contact us for advice.
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