Do you know when to change your yoga mat?

The lifespan of a yoga mat will depend a lot on many factors, such as the quality, frequency and thoroughness of your use.

Although yoga is a gentle exercise, this does not mean that your mat can be used for a lifetime without damage. Have you ever thought about replacing your own yoga mat? How to know when to change the yoga mat? Let’s see the sharing below with easyhealthylive.com to get the answer.

When should you swap out a yoga mat?

The answer to this question will be entirely up to you because the lifespan of your exercise mat will largely depend on the quality of the mat and how often you use it. But for the most part, yoga mats can be used for about a year.

There is no specified time after how long you will need to replace your yoga mat because the shelf life will depend on the type of mat, practice rhythm and thoroughness when used. To know when it’s time to replace your carpet, it’s better to pay attention to the following signs:

The carpet surface is thinner, especially the part where the hands and feet are usually placed in the plank or downward facing dog pose. Installing a new mat will help strengthen balance and provide better support.

Showing signs of wear and tear: If you find the top layer of your carpet is starting to peel off, it’s time to get yourself a new carpet.

Do you often slip when performing poses: A good-quality mat will help keep you from slipping, even when sweating. If you notice that your feet are moving or your hands are slipping, consider getting a new mat.

Bad-smelling exercise mats: If you’ve scrubbed and cleaned it regularly but the carpet still smells bad, it’s best to buy a new carpet. Long-term exposure to sweat can cause the most durable, quality carpets to “smelly”.

How to increase the life of the yoga mat?

Most carpets come with care and cleaning instructions

To increase the life of your yoga mat, you will need to pay attention to careful care when using it. Most carpets come with care and cleaning instructions. Please read carefully before use and follow the instructions exactly.

A good rule of thumb to increase the life of your carpet is to clean or wipe the carpet after each use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you’re using shared mats at the gym, it’s important to clean them after each use.

Because if the carpet is only used by you, then the carpet’s hygiene is not a concern. However, if a carpet is used by many people, it is certain that the carpet will likely contain a lot of dirt and harmful microorganisms. Whether shared or used separately, the carpet surface is still a container that contains a lot of dirt, germs, viruses, bacteria, fungi …

This is why you need to diligently clean your carpet after every use. And if you use a shared mat at the gym, it’s best to disinfect it before and after each session. Besides cleaning, you can also try some of the following tips to not reduce the effect of the exercise mat.

• Clean hands and feet before practicing yoga.
• Clean the mat after each session with a little essential oil diluted with water or carpet cleaning solution.
• Avoid exposing the carpet to direct sunlight. After you’re done, let the mat dry and then roll it up.
• Cover the surface with an exercise towel for protection. In addition, this towel can also increase thickness and grip and is easy to wash after practice.

To clean carpets at home, you can use a mixture of essential oils with antibacterial properties. Specifically, you can mix carpet cleaning solution according to the following formula:

• 3/4 cup distilled or spring water
• 1/4 cup hazelnuts
• 15 drops of tea tree oil
• 10 drops of essential oil of your choice

Note that natural rubber mats should only be cleaned with water.

Some notes when buying a new yoga mat

If your current mat is too old and you’re considering buying a new yoga mat, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Thickness of carpet

Thickness can affect the life of the yoga mat. In general, the heavier or thicker the rug, the stronger and more durable it will be. Also, a thick mat will better support the knees, ankles, wrists or elbows.

Anti-slip

When doing half moon pose or eagle pose in a hot yoga class, it’s most important to keep your legs from slipping during the practice. This is why you need to choose a mat with good adhesion.

Mobility

If you have to travel often, such as on business trips, it is recommended that you purchase a lightweight mat (less than 5 mm thick) for easy portability.

A lightweight, easy-to-carry mat is the right choice for those who have to move often

Environmental friendliness

Currently yoga mats are mainly made from PVC or vinyl, but this is not an eco-friendly material. When buying a new rug, consider choosing a rug made from all-natural rubber or jute.

If you enjoy hot yoga, opt for a highly porous mat combined with a washcloth to absorb sweat and be easy to clean. Carpets with high porosity are often more absorbent and provide better traction. For gentle yoga classes, you can choose a smooth, long-lasting, and water-resistant mat.

Reference source

How Often Should You Replace Your Yoga Mat? https://www.verywellfit.com/how-often-should-you-replace-your-yoga-mat-5077407 Access date: October 14, 2020