Yoga Mat
How to Break in Yoga Mat: Complete Guide
A most common question by several new yogis who initially bought a new yoga mat is How to Break in Yoga Mat. A yoga mat is an essential part of yoga not only for comfort but also for health. However, we normally face different obstacles such as mat stiffness, slippery with an unpleasant odor when we purchase a new mat.
In one of my articles, I have already explained how to fix a slippery mat. Today we will explore the breaking in yoga mat, eradicating their smell and stiffness. Lastly, I will try to figure out some helpful ideas on, how to gift wrap a yoga mat.
Let’s see
Breaking in Yoga Mat
Stiffness or slipperiness are the most common problems that we can find in a new yoga mat, especially in a branded yoga mat built with durable material, for example, PVC or rubber material. PVC material is naturally slippery whereas rubber has its specific odor. But no problem, these things can be reduced through some processes, let’s see them in detail
Use it Regularly
Try to use it regularly, it’s the most effective and the simplest way to break in your yoga mat. What’s the logic behind it? A few of the companies use a special layer over the yoga mat surface to secure it during travel or storage in the warehouse. That layer normally becomes the cause of slipperiness that can be faint easily by regular use. Secondly, with our regular use, we put pressure and friction through our different exercises or poses that improve the mat grip with time.
Clean It Properly
If you don’t want to use it as a new due to their issue, no worries, you can clean it or wash it to boost the break-in process. Wash your yoga mat a few times, this thing will remove the upper slippery surface as well as its unpleasant odor. I already explained how to clean or wash yoga mat, you can read it here in detail. Whether you are using a branded mat or a regular mat, the article will help you a lot.
Sunlight Exposure
If you don’t have enough time to clean or use the mat, you can get help from sunlight. Yeah, sunlight exposure will also work for you to break in yoga mat. This trick is perfect for a natural rubber mat. Place your yoga mat in direct sunlight for a couple of hours to soften your mat. But don’t put it on for a long time because more heat and sunlight can damage or fade the color of your mat.
How to Break in Manduka Yoga Mat?
If you have bought a brand new Manduka yoga mat due to its high-quality and long-lasting performance and now you are feeling that it is a bit stiff and slippery you can fix it. Let’s move to the steps for how to break in a Manduka yoga mat:
Salt Scrub Method
Have you tried a salt scrub method for breaking in a Manduka yoga mat? Yes, if you want instant benefits for your Manduka’s PRO mat use this process:
What & How to do?
Get a little amount of coarse sea salt and sprinkle it over the surface of the mat. Now leave the mat for at least 24 hours. After that, use a yoga mat towel or cloth and scrub it lightly. Now use the water to clean it. Now you just need to dry your mat and it is ready to use.
You will notable changes in your mat grip and odor and better traction.
Frequent Use
If you don’t want to use the scrub method then you can use any of the above methods to boost the break-in process. Regular use and cleaning are the best ways to break in Manduka yoga mat with time.
Avoid Excessive Heat
If you are using sunlight exposure, make sure it will not remain in contact directly for a long time as excessive heat and ultra-violet rays can damage your mat or reduce its longevity
How to Get Rid of New Yoga Mat Smell?
All the above methods also work to get rid yoga mat smell. But if your mat has a great grip and it’s not much slippery then you should take help with very little things to reduce or eradicate its smell or odor instead of the above processes. What you can do for how to get rid of new yoga mat smell?
Air it Out
No need to do anything special for a brand new yoga mat just unroll your mat and let it let it air out for a couple of days. Just make sure the area is well-ventilated without direct sunlight contact. This will reduce the smell and doesn’t harm your mat’s durability and longevity.
Use Essential Oils
You can also get help from a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil to reduce its smell. Just slightly spray it with water as these essential oils have antibacterial properties they can easily reduce the odor of your mat. Make sure, you have diluted the oil to stay safe from stains or damage
Natural Deodorizers
A natural deodorizer such as baking soda can also help us to reduce the yoga mat smell. Baking soda can easily absorb its odor.
How to Get Dents Out of Yoga Mat? / How to Flatten a Yoga Mat?
If you have not rolled your mat properly for storage and it remains in the same condition for a long period, you will see a lot of dents on your mat due to heavy pressure. Let’s take a look at How to Get Dents Out of Yoga Mat or how to flatten a yoga mat:
Allow it to Rest
Keep your mat flat for a day or two on the floor to remove its dents. After this, you will notice that all the dents become smooth naturally over time.
Apply Slight Heat
We can also use the slight heat to dents out your mat. A good option for slight heat is the sunlight you can place your mat flat under sunlight for a few hours. And you will see all the dents turn to smooth due to heat and now you can bounce back to their original shape. Make sure, the heat is not excessive otherwise your mat can be damaged.
Rolling in Opposite Direction
If you see your mat dents are not too much, dents just due to improper rolling, you can use rolling in the opposite direction to remove them. Simply, just roll your mat in the opposite direction from the dents and tie it with a band for a couple of hours to restore its shape. Whether the mat is refusing to lay flat or has a curl at its edges. Rolling in the opposite direction will fix the issue.
Use of Weight
We can also use the weight to remove the dents or flatten a yoga mat. First of all, unroll the mat and put a little heavy-weight object on it such as dumbbells or books and leave it for a couple of hours. It will help a lot to soften the dents or flatten the yoga mat.
How to Gift Wrap a Yoga Mat?
Are you planning to gift a yoga mat to your friend on any special occasion? It’s a good choice. Just wrap the yoga mat cleverly and creatively and you can also give a personal touch. Let’s see some ideas for gift-wrapping a yoga mat:
Use a Yoga Mat Bag
A yoga mat bag is also a good option to ready your gift. Just choose a stylish bag or as per your friend’s liking that complements the mat. It will not only become presentable but also your friend can use the bag to carry the mat for travel or yoga classes.
Fabric Wrap
Now if we are talking about wrapping, you can use fabric Instead of traditional wrapping paper. Because it will provide better care and a tremendous look. Just roll up your mat with fabric and use the ribbon to bind it.
Decorative Ribbon
It is not necessary to use ribbon to bind it but if you will use the ribbon, it will increase the beauty of presentation along with simplicity. You can also use different types of nodes to enhance the beauty.
Conclusion
Several ways that we have shared can easily be used for breaking in a yoga mat as well as to get rid of odor. Even if your mat is refusing to flat or has dents you can easily fix it. If you are using a Manduka yoga mat, you can use the salt scrub.
Be happy and healthy! And fix your yoga & yoga mat-related issues with us like How to Break in Yoga Mat.
Yoga Mat
How to Store a Yoga Mat?
Yoga mats are the most crucial part of maintaining the yoga practice whether you are at home or leaving home for the studio. A question or scenario we always face is How to Store a Yoga Mat in such a way, that we will remain to assure that the yoga mat will remain clean and durable. With a little dedication, we can store a yoga mat correctly for longevity in an organized way.
Why is Yoga Mat Storage Important?
I think we should first discuss the question Why is Yoga Mat Storage Important before moving towards the different ways or methods to store a yoga mat:
Longevity:
If you do not pay attention to the storage of Yoga mats soon the mats will damage or fill with dirt. Through a yoga mat’s proper storage, we can easily increase its longevity and stay safe from its curling edges or tears. This thing will also help us to maintain its original shape.
Hygiene:
If we leave our yoga mat openly after the practice, it will absorb a lot of dust particles, sweat, and dirt. In this scenario, if we don’t pay attention to cleaning or washing our yoga mat we will lose it soon due to different allergies. You can face unpleasant odors that make the mat unhygienic to use.
Space Optimization:
Yoga mats are not a big item, but when left lying around, they can take up your space. It is very crucial to organize space for your yoga mat especially if you have a small space.
Convenient Access
If you store a yoga mat in a convenient, accessible location it makes it easier to do yoga into your daily routine. Quick access to your yoga mat can be helpful for you to be consistent with practice.
How to Store a Yoga Mat: Practical Solutions
There are many practical options depending on the space available and your choices for how to store yoga mats at home. Here are some simple yet effective ways to store yoga mats at home:
1. Rolling Up Your Yoga Mat
After each use, the easiest way to store a yoga mat is to roll it up. After rolling the mat, just use the straps to bind the yoga mat.
2. Using a Yoga Mat Bag
These bags are specifically designed just to store your mat and are easier to transport with comfort. Most of them have adjustable straps to carry the mat as well as pockets for saving the accessories. You just have to roll up your mat and put it inside the bag space to protect it from dust and easy to carry.
3. Hooks and Wall Storage
Hang your yoga mat with style using wall-mounted hooks. This space-saving solution keeps mats off the floor, frees up space and creates an artistic display. Ideal for multiple mats or fitness gear.
4. Under the Bed
If you want to store your yoga mat or gear out of sight, you can store it under the bed area. You just roll up the mat or bind it with straps and put it under the bed for storage, just make sure it will remain safe from dust and moisture.
5. Yoga Mat Stand or Rack
There are different design stands or racks available that are specifically made for yoga mats. You can save multiple yoga mats as these racks allow you to store multiple mats vertically.
DIY Yoga Mat Storage Ideas
Let’s discuss some of the DIY yoga mat storage ideas that can try at home for yoga mat storage:
1. DIY Yoga Mat Shelf
Making a small wooden shelf for your yoga mat is a simple yet functional project. You can create a wall-mounted shelf with dividers to hold multiple yoga mats, towels, or props. Customize the shelf to fit your room’s decor by painting. This option keeps your mats off the ground, protects them from disfiguring, and enhances the overall look of your room.
Materials needed:
Wooden planks (cut to size)
Brackets for wall mounting
Screws, nails, and a hammer
Paint or stain for finishing
2. Repurposed Wine Rack
Wine racks are not only for wine bottles—they can also be repurposed into stylish yoga mat storage. A horizontal rack with slots can hold multiple rolled-up mats, providing: Low-cost storage and stylish organization.
Materials needed:
Old or unused wine rack
Optional: Spray paint or wood stain to match your decor
3. Bungee Cord Wall Holder
Create a minimum yoga mat storage solution using bungee cords. You need to place just two hooks on the wall and now you can use a bungee cord or something similar to hold your yoga mat. It will also give your wall a modern and creative look.
Materials needed:
Two wall hooks
Bungee cord or strong elastic band
Drill and screws for installation
4. DIY Macrame Yoga Mat Hanger
It’s for those who enjoy crafting, creating a macrame yoga mat hanger adds a bohemian flair to your yoga space. This attractive hanger can be hung from a hook on the wall or ceiling, adding a natural and artistic touch to your room while keeping your mat nicely stored.
Materials needed:
Macrame cord
Ring or wooden dowel
Scissors
Macrame pattern or tutorial (optional)
5. PVC Pipe Yoga Mat Organizer
PVC pipes are of different varieties and are affordable, making them a great option for a DIY yoga mat organizer. You can cut PVC pipes into sections and arrange them vertically to hold multiple mats. Secure the pipes together using glue or zip ties, then paint or cover them with fabric to match your room’s style.
Materials needed:
PVC pipes
PVC pipe cutter
Glue, zip ties, or clamps to secure pipes together
Paint or fabric for decoration
Bonus Tips for Yoga Mat Care and Storage
Here are a few extra tips to ensure that your yoga mat remains in great condition:
1. Clean Your Mat Regularly
Before storing your yoga mat, make sure to clean it regularly. Use a dedicated yoga mat cleaner. Ensure that the mat is completely dry.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Long-time exposure to sunlight can damage anything whether it’s a mat or anything else.
3. Use a Mat Strap
Bind your mat tightly with a yoga mat strap when stored. This prevents the mat from unrolling or curling up.
Conclusion
As per our conversation during the article, storing a yoga mat is very crucial for its longevity, hygiene, and easy accessibility. Several options are available through which we can store our yoga mats even in small spaces by organizing the space. A few of the methods or ways, we have already discussed in our article “how to store a yoga mat”. Just read the ideas and apply those you like to your yoga mat. Share your thoughts in our comments section concerning how to store yoga mats at home.
Yoga Mat
Are Yoga Mats Toxic?
Are Yoga Mats Toxic: We are all well aware of the importance of yoga mats for performing yoga practice daily as it has several benefits, especially gripping, cushioning, and comfort. However, there is a growing concern regarding the equipment that is used to support Yoga.
Understanding the Concern: Are Yoga Mats Toxic?
Most of the yoga mats are still being made with PVC material which raised questions regarding its toxicity. So, let’s take a look in detail at PVC Material.
What is PVC?
PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride. Basically, it is a cost-effective type of plastic polymer with the ability to release toxic chemicals or substances for example dioxins, phthalates, etc.
Phthalate chemicals are used during the formation of plastic in regards to enhance the flexible properties of plastic. These chemicals play a very toxic role in the disturbance of human body parts such as hormones and the respiratory system.
Secondly, dioxin compounds can be released during the manufacturing of PVC which play a role as a continuous environmental polluting agent. So these harmful substances leave multiple adverse effects on the human body just due to their continuous presence in the environment that causes the destruction of the environment as well as human health.
On the other hand, synthetic rubber is also found in Yoga Mats that may consist of some health’s unsafe components like VOCs that may diffuse gas into the air while used for Yoga. These are such health-sensitive things that lead cause of trouble for the public who have a plan to take long-term Yoga exercise.
Here we’re going to let you know about one of the leading brands with having Non toxic Yoga Mats.
Are Gaiam Yoga Mats Non Toxic?
Gaiam is one of the leading brands with almost all essential supplies regarding yoga and wellness including Yoga Mats. The most repeated question that is asked by the consumers is about its material’s toxicity and non toxicity.
Materials Used in Gaiam Yoga Mats
A wide variety of Yoga Mats is found in Gaiam for Yoga consumers which are made up of non toxic and eco-friendly materials, a few of them which are widely used in the preparation of Yoga Mats are as follows:
• PVC:
Though this material is cheap and budget-friendly for Gaiam the fact is that it’s considered toxic and not eco-friendly as mentioned before. As a result, the only controversial material is left just because of its preparation procedure. This makes PVC a non toxic and eco-friendly material and reduces the risk factor to its consumers.
• TPE
(Thermoplastic Elastomer): As It is a type of chemical-free recyclable plastic it’s considered safe and harmless environmentally as well as for human health. It’s also free from PVC and Latex. That’s why it’s considered eco-friendlier than PVC.
• Natural Rubber:
A naturally occurring substance that consists of a sustainable and biodegradable material. It is used in the preparation of premium Yoga Mats, also offered by Gaiam. So these kinds of Yoga Mats are totally toxins free and are a good option for Yoga Mat’s consumers.
The company markets itself as a sustainability maintainer and environmental-friendly lover. So the answer to the question “Are Gaiam yoga mats Non Toxic” is yes.
Are Lululemon Yoga Mats Toxic?
The debates are ongoing concerning “Are Lululemon Yoga Mats Toxic”. Lululemon is also a brand famous among people due to their yoga-related products’ quality including clothes. Lululemon yoga mats have several qualities or features like
- Durability
- Non toxicity
- Eco-friendliness
- Comfort
- Grip & Cushioning
Lululemon Yoga Mats Material
Lululemon uses two different materials, especially for their signature yoga mats, one of them is natural rubber and the second is polyurethane.
Natural Rubber:
As we have already discussed earlier in this article regarding the natural rubber material. So, in simple words, the natural rubber material is sustainable, non toxic, best for gripping and cushioning along with biodegradability.
Polyurethane:
Lululemon uses Polyurethane for the top layers of their yoga mats as this material is synthetic and increases the grip and durability of the mat. Generally, this material is considered safer than PVC, and Lululemon also claims that their yoga mats don’t have harmful chemicals.
Seller Picks Best Non toxic Yoga Mats:
We have compiled a list of a few best non toxic yoga mats built with eco-friendly materials that are the user’s choice.
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
The yoga mat is built with PVC now the question is how this mat is Non toxic. It is a high-quality PVC material certified OEKO-TEX which means it is a certified non toxic yoga mat but not much eco-friendly. If I talk about its grip and cushioning, it is a recommended choice for yogis.
Read the comparison before decision on Manduka Pro vs Lululemon Yoga Mat.
Features:
- Non Toxic
- Eco-Friendly
- Certification of Non Harmful substances
- Excellent grip and cushioning.
Jade Yoga Harmony Mat
The yoga mat is built with 100% natural rubber which is a Non toxic material. We have already explained natural rubber material earlier in the article. We are going to list down its features only.
Features
- Synthetic
- Biodegradable
- Eco-friendly
- Durable & Sustainable
- Perfect for Bikram or Hot Yoga / sweaty sessions.
Liforme Yoga Mat
Liforme Yoga Mat is built with Non toxic materials such as natural rubber and eco-polyurethane.
Features
- Eco-Friendly
- Sustainable
- Non Toxic
- Biodegradable
- Excellent Grip and Cushioning
- Ideal choice for regular or serious yogis
Conclusion
Health is the most important factor that can’t be ignored. So, always pay attention to your healthy environment while choosing a yoga mat. Make sure the material is non toxic which has been used to build the yoga mat. In this way, you will remain healthy and get the real advantages of yoga means mindfulness. We have discussed the major materials that are used to build the mat.
Hopefully, I have explained the question are yoga mats toxic? Apart from that, I have also tried to share some of the best non toxic yoga mats and their brand options available in the market that usually we use in our studio.
Yoga Mat
How to Choose a Yoga Mat for Beginners?
Yoga is well-known for enhancing the muscle’s flexibility, activation, physical wellness, and mental peace. Many new yogis join yoga classes. The first issue that they face is how to choose a yoga mat for beginners. Choosing a yoga mat is essential especially for beginners to increase the support and stability during yoga practice. Several options are available in the market for this but the same mat is not a good fit for all.
In this scenario, it is most important to pay attention while choosing the right yoga mat as per your needs or requirements. Let’s explore how to pick a yoga mat:
Things to Consider While Choosing a Yoga Mat
Consider the key factors while picking a yoga mat. A perfect yoga mat has a good level of comfort, durable, long-lasting, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Let’s start to consider the key points for choosing a yoga mat for beginners.
Thickness
The yoga mat’s weight depends on its thickness. So it is most important to pay attention to thickness level as it plays a major role, especially in comfortability and cushioning. Thickness levels start from 1mm to onwards up to 15mm. Usually, a standard yoga mat is between 3mm to 5mm thick, and for most people, it is considered a perfect choice.
People who are suffering from joint issues will go for a high level of thickness for more support to their joints because a thicker mat can provide extra cushioning. But it can be the reason behind not balancing during yoga. So, that’s why we should pay attention to thickness. We discussed this matter in our blog post Best Yoga Mat Thickness.
Manufacturing Material
Nowadays, various materials are used in manufacturing like PVC, TPE, natural rubber, and cork. You can read the differences between them in detail in our article TPE vs EVA Yoga Mat & NBR vs PVC Yoga Mat.
Each material has its benefits and is used for different purposes. For excellent grip and durability along with budget-friend PVC material is perfect but it is not much eco-friendly. Comparatively, Rubber and TPE materials are eco-friendly but less durable over time. Lastly, cork mats have all these things along with antimicrobial properties but it is not a budget-friendly option.
So, an excellent choice depends on your needs and environment. If you have budget-related issues you should go for PVC or TPE material otherwise move towards natural rubber or cork material.
Grip
The texture of the yoga mat makes it an anti-skid or non-slippery mat. So, the mats having texture on them provide us extra grip that is required for balancing our body during dynamic poses of yoga such as Vinyasa, etc. For gripping cork and natural rubber materials are more effective.
What is the Best Yoga Mat for Beginners?
In simple words, the best yoga mat for beginners is that has all the features and should not be too high in price.
Best Yoga Mat for Beginners UK
Numerous brands are offering such mats that have all the features such as Liforme and Manduka and are not much costly compared to other brands.
Manduka PROLite Yoga Mat
Manduka PROLite yoga mat is a perfect choice for beginners and the reason of its comfortability and durability. Even for those with sensitive joints as it provides enough cushioning. The major reason for its acceptance is its non-toxic material which makes it eco-friendly.
Liforme Yoga Mat
The second better option is the Liforme yoga mat for beginners. It also has all the above features like a good level of grip, eco-friendly with non-toxic material and a good level of thickness for cushioning. Apart from that it also has alignment markers that help a lot to a newbie for alignment.
Best Yoga Mat for Obese Beginners
Now let’s start our conversation regarding yoga mats for obese beginners. As they have a certain condition we need to make little changes in our key factors to choose the best yoga mat for obese beginners.
Extra Thickness & Size
We should choose a little extra thick mat for obese beginners due to extra weight because we require extra cushioning in this case. It reduces the change of strain on sensitive joints. The recommended thickness for an obese beginner is between 6mm to 8mm. This will increase the comfort level during practice and less feel of a hard floor. In the same way, we need a little extra size mat from the standard.
Durability & Grip
A solid grip is very crucial to maintain balance and stability for an obese beginner. That’s why we should choose such a mat that can provide extra gripping along with durability. It is a better thing if a mat has texture on it because it will also provide extra gripping that is required for a newbie to maintain alignment during yoga. Always look for mats that offer strong gripping and can prevent slipping during poses. Usually, rubber or cork yoga mat material is preferable.
Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat:
Gaiam Premium yoga mat is an excellent choice for an obese newbie due to its durability and thickness level. It is 6mm thick having a texture on its surface.
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat:
A perfect choice as per my experience is Manduka PRO yoga mat due to its thickness and material. It offers a high level of thickness from a standard mat with durable and dense surface which is best for extra grip, support and cushioning.
How to Choose / Pick a Good Yoga Mat Based on Your Requirements
I have already shared some best yoga mats for beginners. If you have certain needs, you should choose a mat that can meet your needs. For example, do you have a plan to join a studio for yoga or at home? Do you have a plan for hot yoga or slow-paced yoga? Get the answers from yourself and you are ready to make right decision.
Yoga Style
Which type of yoga pose, you are planning to practice? Are you planning for slower-paced poses like Yin / Hatha Yoga? In this case, you need a little thicker mat that can provide cushioning and comfort. If you are planning for dynamic yoga poses like Vinyasa or Ashtanga, you should choose a well-textured surface mat for better gripping.
Portability
Are you planning to travel with a yoga mat from home to the studio? You should pay attention to its weight so that it can be easy to carry. It should be light in weight and can easily roll up. We already discussed these things how to roll up a mat. You should read it.
Environmental Impact
What kind of environment in which you are going to practice yoga? If your environment is not so good then you should choose an eco-friendly mat option that can be found in these sustainable materials like natural rubber and cork.
Price vs. Quality
If you are searching for a budget-friendly mat, the options will be different and if you are searching for quality then the options will be different depending on your requirement. You can see PVC material for a cost-effective mat and other materials like rubber or cork for extra high quality.
Allergy Considerations
Do you have an allergy to latex? If yes, you need to move towards natural rubber mats instead of other materials like PVC or TPE. Cork mats can also be used in this case.
Size
If you are taller you should choose a large-size mat otherwise standard yoga mat will work for you. Standard yoga mats are 68 inches long and 24 inches.
Picking a Yoga Mat for Special Practices
Lastly, if you are planning for certain poses to practice like Bikram / Hot yoga. In this case, we need such a mat material that can absorb sweat because in hot yoga we sweat a lot and prevent slipping. You can choose from these two options.
Liforme Yoga Mat:
The best option for hot yoga due to its superior grip and better absorption.
Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip Yoga Mat:
The second best option is Gaiam Sol Dry-Grip Yoga Mat as it provides better traction and can absorb more sweat during hot yoga sessions.
Final Words for How to Choose a Yoga Mat for Beginners
We have a huge range of yoga mats available and need to choose a right one that can fulfill our needs. Just finalize your needs and you can easily choose a good fit for you. The few things you need to consider like size, material, thickness, durability, longevity, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Choose as per your needs.
I have also shared some of the best yoga mats concerning how to choose a yoga mat for beginners even for the obese. You can choose any one of them. Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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