How to Keep Your Yoga Mat From Slipping on the Floor

Whether you are new to yoga or a yoga veteran, you have probably experienced your yoga mat slipping on the floor. It can be an annoying or discouraging problem, and I wondered how exactly it can be solved. I did some research for myself and put everything in one place for anyone else experiencing the same problem. So how do you keep your yoga mat from slipping on the floor? There is no one size fits all option, but you can start by choosing the best mat for your yoga practice, taking the time to break your mat in, and maybe even trying tools made specifically to fix slipping, like a yoga towel. There are plenty of quick fixes to fit every person and lifestyle. If your yoga mat slipping is an issue you are having, let’s find the right fix for you. » MORE: 3mm vs 5mm Yoga Mat: Which is Better For You? How Do You Keep Your Yoga Mat From Slipping on the Floor? A yoga mat that slips during your yoga practice can be annoying and dangerous. Whether you are working out on carpeted or a hard-surfaced floor there is a way to fix your mat from sliding. Here is a list of some of the things that might help. Break-in your yoga mat. Like a new pair of shoes, your yoga mat may slip on certain surfaces. The bottom of your mat is smooth without any traction and is unable to grip the surface of your floor. If your mat is still slipping after a week of daily use, you may need to try something else.Make sure your mat and the floor are clean. Pet hair, dirt, and dust may be contributing to your yoga mat slipping. Wipe your mat down after every use and let it dry before putting it away. Sweep or vacuum your floor before beginning your workout.Get creative. Try adding some kind of non-slip backing to your yoga mat. Some things that might be successful in preventing your yoga mat from slipping on the floor are:A gripper mat under your yoga mat. This is simply a rubber mat that will keep your yoga mat from sliding on your floor whether you have carpets, wood, or tile.Install no-skid rug backing on your yoga mat, a large towel, or an area rug to use under your yoga mat.Anti-slip tape or squares can also be used to prevent your mat from sliding on your floor, but may not be ideal for hard-wood flooring.Use a yoga mat designed to be non-slip. You may be using the wrong mat. There are yoga mats that are made with extra grip and traction to prevent slipping on the floor.We Recommend: Yoga Mat Non-Slip – This extra grip yoga mat is designed to give you the most comfortable yoga experience possible without sliding out from under you. Some tend to need a thicker mat that is easy on their knees and wrists during yoga workouts. You can use a thick exercise mat with a traditional non-slip yoga mat underneath if you need extra support and cushion in your practice. » MORE: Is a Yoga Mat Necessary on Carpet? How Can You Keep Yourself from Slipping on the Yoga Mat? Another common issue you may experience while practicing yoga is slipping on your mat in poses like downward dog or warrior pose. Sweat can drip down onto your mat causing your hands and feet to slip as you move into poses that require a good amount of stability and balance. One of the most effective options to combat slipping on the mat is investing in a yoga towel, especially if you practice Bikram yoga or “hot yoga.” Spray a light layer of water on your mat before laying your towel down. This will ensure a non-slip surface for your hands and feet. If you already have microfiber towels, you can try them first using the same method you would for a yoga towel. I have tried some interesting methods to keep myself from slipping on a yoga mat, all with varying degrees of success. I sprayed my hands and feet with hairspray to make them tacky, but forgot about it and rubbed my eyes. That was unpleasant. I even tried brushing cornstarch on my mat, thinking it would absorb any moisture that made me slip, but I wouldn’t recommend that either. A yoga towel has worked best. You can try switching to a rubber mat. It will provide a better grip if your hands and feet tend to sweat during your practice. You may also not have proper alignment in your poses. Try going to a yoga class or working one-on-one with an instructor to make sure that isn’t the issue. » MORE: Can You Do Yoga Without a Yoga Mat? How to Choose a Yoga Mat We know choosing the right yoga mat can prevent it from slipping on the floor or prevent you from slipping on the mat, but how do you pick a yoga mat? I found some tips that will make the purchasing process much easier. Keep your body and skill level in mind. Beginners or those that can’t put pressure on their joints are going to need a thicker mat than advanced yogis. Yoga mats range in thickness from ⅛ inch to ¼ inch. You can also use a thin yoga mat with a thick exercise mat on top. If you are over 5’8” in height, you will also need to pay attention to the length of the yoga mat. Yoga mats are typically 68 inches long, so you might need a longer mat. Choose a mat that works for your workout space. If you travel often for work or pleasure, you are going to want a light-weight mat that will work great no matter if you are outdoors or in a hotel room. You could even purchase one for home, and one for travel. There are even cotton yoga mats. These might be best for yoga in the park or on the beach if you do not get sore easily. Don’t focus too much on the price. If you are just starting out in your yoga practice, a $10-$20 mat is perfectly acceptable. As you develop in your yoga practice, you will learn what works and what doesn’t, and you will have a better idea of your yoga needs. After a while, you can focus on finding a better mat, one that works for your body and for the types of yoga that you do most. Just like wardrobe staples like a nice blazer or the perfect pair of jeans, a good yoga mat is an investment. You may end up spending more on a pricier yoga mat, but it will last much longer than a cheaper one. You will get more use out of it and it will stay in better condition longer. My Top Recommended Yoga Mats IUGA Pro Non Slip Yoga Mat - This eco-friendly yoga mat is great for everyday yoga, hot yoga, and everything in between. Odorless and lightweight materials designed by yogis for yogis. Clever Yoga Mat - This extra grip yoga mat is designed to give you the most comfortable yoga experience possible without sliding out from under you. 2-in-1 Yoga Mat - This combo yoga mat is great for everyday yoga, hot yoga, and everything in between. Soft and non-slip! Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat - This non-slip yoga mat is perfect if you are just starting your yoga journey and on a budget. Lightweight and reversible! How Often Do I Need to Replace My Yoga Mat? Once you find your yoga mat, it won’t last forever. If you practice regularly, your yoga mat should be replaced every 6-12 months. There are things to look for as your mat wears down that will tell you when it is time to replace your mat. You find pieces of it on the floor. If your mat is leaving bits of itself on the floor as you roll it up after your yoga practice, it is probably time to buy a new one.Your mat has become uneven. This can affect your balance and cause depressions in your mat from your hands and feet pressing into the mat.Your mat is losing traction. If your feet or hands begin to slip in poses when they don’t normally, your mat may be wearing out.It smells bad, even though you clean it regularly. If your yoga mat begins to retain bad odors even after cleaning, it is time to replace it.You are sore after using it. You know best how your body feels after your yoga workout. If you develop new aches and pains from your normal practice, the cushion may be wearing from your mat. » MORE: Why Are Yoga Mats So Expensive? In Conclusion Yoga can mean different things to different people. I use yoga as a form of exercise and I combine yoga with meditation to help manage my stress. When I began my yoga journey, I felt frustrated that I couldn’t do the poses my instructor or friends could do with ease. Of course, I was only a beginner, but my feet and hands slipped when no one else’s did. It was disheartening and frustrating. I started and stopped yoga many times until I realized there were options to prevent this from happening. Once I figured out how to keep my mat stationary on the floor and prevent myself from sliding on the mat, yoga became a part of my life that challenged me physically and calmed me spiritually. If I had given up because my mat slipped on the floor, I wouldn’t be where I am today. If you are still having problems with your mat, reach out to a friend that practices yoga. If you don’t have a yogi friend yet, try finding one online. There are many groups that provide advice and support for beginner yogis. Just don’t give up!