3 Ways to stop slipping on a yoga mat

Many of my blog posts and videos are inspired by questions and comments from yoga students in my classes. Recently, I had two ladies from my classes at Gold’s Gym ask about how to stop slipping on a yoga mat. As always I had a few suggestions because there is never ONE solution to a problem.

I also thought that maybe others were dealing with this situation too. So why not make this a blog post? Especially as the holiday season is coming and there are stockings to be filled and bargains to be had! Disclosure: It’s always my policy to make you aware that links in this post may be affiliate links.

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3 ways to stop slipping on a yoga mat

Firstly, I want to address that not all people are the same. Some of us naturally sweat more than others. The weather can be a factor too if you live in a hot climate for example. Or you could simply be doing hot yoga. There are many reasons for your hands or feet slipping on a yoga mat, and a few solutions to prevent sliding around.

Invest in a Quality Yoga Mat

Ever heard the saying “you get what you pay for”? Take it from someone who has bought too many cheap mats in the past – paying more for a quality mat is TOTALLY worth it. Not only will last so much longer, but you’ll avoid the headaches of slipping. My personal favorite is the Manduka Pro and ProLite. For me, this immediately stopped any slipping on a yoga mat I experienced. I also have friends that swear by Jade mats. These brands produce mats that give you more grip than a cheap $15 mat from Target.

Manduka mats need ‘seasoning’ before use. And any new mat typically takes some “wearing in”. Just like new shoes. If you have a good mat, then it’s possible it’s slipping due to the residue from your bodies natural oils. Not to mention body lotions! It’s good to give your mat a clean every few months. If upgrading your mat isn’t in the budget anytime soon, then let’s look at other things you can try for your mat.

Try a Yoga Towel

A yoga towel can be a great item to invest in, to prevent slipping on a yoga mat. These are great for hot yoga, or those that live in warm climates. I’ve used these in the California Summers, and for traveling. Yoga towels are usually made from microfibre cloth. There are so many to choose from on Amazon, my own preference is to have grippy silicone dots on the underside. 

Honestly, I’ve only found slipping an issue with lower quality mats or very hot/humid conditions. But, a yoga towel can be a more economical solution to slipping on a yoga mat. Especially when compared with upgrading your yoga mat. Plus, you can wash them easily, making them handy if you’re borrowing a mat from a studio or gym.

Non-slip hands & feet

Recently I was diagnosed with Peroneal Tendonitis. As such, I now have a compression bandage to wear on my foot. Which in turn means my left foot slips on my mat in standing poses. To counter this I’ve been wearing my yoga socks again, which is what initially sparked the conversation with my students. Yoga socks have grippy dots on the underside to prevent slipping.

I’ve worn yoga socks off and on for years. Mostly because gym floors are dirty (especially in winter). But also, my feet get COLD. My preference is the half-toe variety, and the brands Gaiam or ToeSox. If you’re thinking these would be great on the hands, you’re right! Now you can get yoga gloves with the silicone dots on the palm that are sure to prevent any slipping on a yoga mat! I haven’t personally had a need to use them, but they seem a great idea in theory. I’ve seen a few people wear them in their practice.

So, there you have it. Three simple ways to prevent slipping on a yoga mat. I hope that if you have slipping issue that at least one of these solutions works for you.

Questions

• Have you had slipping on a yoga mat before?
• Anyone else get super cold feet in the winter months?
• Do you prefer cheap and cheerful, or paying a little more for higher quality?