“Practicing yoga requires a lot of balancing and staying firm in one position. Whether doing the warrior pose or sirasana, you need to be confident that you will not slip and fall mid-way.
However, you can’t imagine achieving these poses if your mat doesn’t stay in place or you keep slipping on it. A slippery yoga mat can cause injuries, which is also one of the main reasons people give up on yoga. To make your mat less slick, you can take a variety of actions. This article discusses how to increase the traction on your yoga mat with simple yet effective techniques.”
Reasons Why Your Mat is Slippery
The first step to making your mat less slippery is understanding why it is slipping in the first place. Your mat may become slippery for a number of reasons.
The Material of Your Mat
If your yoga mat is constructed of PVC or polyurethane, it is more likely to be slippery than a mat made of natural rubber. These materials are smooth and don’t have much texture, which makes them less grippy. It’s recommended to go for a more textured material like TPE or rubber if you are looking for a mat with more traction. Yes, they can be a bit more expensive than the normal PVC ones, but they are definitely worth the investment.
Sweat
Another common reason why your mat may be slipping is because of sweat. You are bound to sweat when you practice yoga, which can make your mat slippery. If your hands and feet are slipping while you are in Downward Facing Dog or Plank Pose, it’s most likely because of the sweat on your mat. Wiping your mat after every practice can help keep it clean and sweat-free.
Your Mat is New
If you have just bought a new mat, it is most likely coated with talc or silicone to prevent it from slipping during shipping. This coating needs to be removed before you use the mat. Cleaning your mat with soap and water is the most effective way. Once it’s dry, your mat will have more grip. Another reason is that the upper layer is still intact, which must be abraded to make the mat sticky again.
Too Much Lotion on Your Body
If you have applied lotion all over your body before yoga class, it can make your mat slippery. This is because the lotion will transfer from your skin to the mat, making it more slippery. It’s best to avoid applying any lotions or oils before yoga class if you want to prevent your mat from slipping.
How to Make Your Mat Non-Slippery
Now that you know why your mat may be slipping, it’s time to take some measures to make it less slippery. Here are some actions you can take:
Use a Towel
If you are sweating a lot during practice, using a towel on top of your mat is best. This will absorb the sweat and prevent your mat from becoming slippery. You can also use a regular thin and absorbent home towel if you do not own yoga towels. This hack saves you from injuries and prevents your mat from getting too dirty.
Use Sea Salt
If you want to increase the traction of your mat without using any chemicals, you can try sprinkling some sea salt on it. Ensure to evenly spread the salt by rubbing it into the mat. Allow it to sit for a while before giving it a thorough washing and allowing it to air dry. This will create a coarse surface on your mat, making it less slippery. You also can utilize this method if your mat is new and you want to remove the silicone coating.
Use Baby Powder
You can try using baby powder if you don’t have sea salt at home. Additionally, your mat will get a textured surface; as a result, leaving it a little less slippery. Make sure you rub the powder into the mat evenly distributed. Prior to giving it a thorough vacuuming and letting it air dry, let it sit for a while.
Use Accessories
You can also use yoga gloves or socks to increase your grip on the yoga mat. These accessories will help you grip the mat better, especially if your hands and feet are slipping. These have special gripping textures on the palms and soles, making them ideal for yoga.
Take a Pre-Yoga Shower
Take a brief shower before yoga class if you tend to perspire a lot. This will help remove sweat or oils from your skin, making you slip on the mat. It calms down your body and puts your thoughts in the proper yogic frame of mind. However, avoid applying any moisturizing product to your body after the shower.
Practice More
Your grasp will get stronger the more yoga you do. As your strength and balance grow, you’ll be able to grip the mat more securely. With time, you won’t need to be scared about slipping on your mat anymore. Also, a bonus is that your yoga practice will become more enjoyable when you break the mat’s top slippery layer. Make sure you practice on the same side of the mat daily to get accustomed to the feel of the yoga mat.
Wash Your Mat Regularly
It’s essential to clean your mat regularly to keep it free of dirt and sweat. A mat with external build-up can make you lose your grip and slip. Using mild soap and water is an effective way to clean your mat. Once it’s dry, you can store it in a cool, dry place. The mat material is sensitive to corrosion, so it is better not to use strong reagents like detergents.
Conclusion
If you have tried all the above methods and your mat is still slipping, it’s time to invest in a new one. Many yoga mats available in the market have more traction and are less slippery. Above all, enjoy your yoga practice, and don’t let a slippery mat ruin it for you.
