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3 Ways to stop slipping on a yoga mat

November 19, 2018 //  by Di Hickman//  20 Comments

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.

3 solutions to stop slipping on your yoga mat

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.

You can view the video on YouTube. Maybe add it to a playlist? Above all, remember to subscribe to my channel. New videos are uploaded every Tuesday and Friday. However, for exclusive longer format videos sign up for my Patreon community. Patrons also get early access to all my videos, along with other benefits.

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.

Yoga teacher sitting on a yoga mat

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. 

Yoga teacher on yoga mat with a yoga towel

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.

yoga teacher in yoga socks doing pistol squat, and 3 legged dog pose

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?
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Astrid

    November 29, 2018 at 10:16 am

    Yes, I have had slipping in the past. Ahh that’s the secret?? I thought they all came with that rubber backing. Great tips! thank you πŸ™‚

    Reply
  2. Emma Riley

    November 26, 2018 at 5:13 pm

    This is such helpful tips and ideas. I always slipping in a yoga mat when I do my own exercise. Glad that I found this.

    Reply
  3. Elicit Folio

    November 26, 2018 at 10:14 am

    I thought I was the only one who had this problem! πŸ™‚ Thank you for the great tips! I will be trying these in class tomorrow!

    Reply
  4. hannah raissa

    November 25, 2018 at 6:49 am

    I wish I could do yoga in my spare time.

    Reply
  5. Grace

    November 25, 2018 at 5:40 am

    Just had yoga a few months ago and it’s really slippery when your mat is not that quality. But the yoga socks and gloves seems nice and very helpful. Nice!

    Reply
  6. Lori

    November 24, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    So I would have to say that I have this problem! I haven’t done yoga in awhile, but thinking of starting up again. I will keep these footies in mind as I think it would solve the embarrassing act of slipping while posing! thanks!

    Reply
  7. Shanab

    November 24, 2018 at 11:44 am

    These are thoughtful tips. Slipping on your mat could be super dangerous.

    Reply
  8. Heather

    November 24, 2018 at 7:46 am

    I don’t do yoga, but I would love to start. I’ll know how not to slip now πŸ™‚

    Reply
  9. Keshia Richmond

    November 24, 2018 at 6:49 am

    No longer slipping on my yoga mat thanks to the suggestions given here. Great post.

    Reply
  10. Amber Myers

    November 23, 2018 at 1:12 pm

    I’ll show my daughter this. She likes doing yoga. I can’t seem to stop giggling whenever I try it. But she’s more mature than I am.

    Reply
  11. Hollie

    November 23, 2018 at 10:29 am

    I actually always just thought that slipping on a yoga mat was something I did. I’m somewhat embarrassed to know it’s actually common and can easily be fixed.

    Reply
  12. Latte Lindsay

    November 23, 2018 at 9:04 am

    I hate slippy yoga mats, especially if you forget your mat and have to borrow one from the gym for your class and it’s someone else’s sweat you are sliding on! Gross!

    Reply
  13. Brittany

    November 23, 2018 at 8:59 am

    I need to get back into yoga!!! It was my favorite workout during pregnancy!!! My yoga mat is cheap (I think), but didn’t have much slipping issues

    Reply
  14. Sydney

    November 23, 2018 at 8:04 am

    These are great tips for yoga workouts. I would love to try the yoga towel when I do bikram yoga because I tend to get slippery. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  15. Joan

    November 23, 2018 at 6:37 am

    I prefer anything that works really. I had a yoga mat but can’t seem to remember where it is, clearly I have not been exercising.

    Reply
  16. Joanna

    November 23, 2018 at 6:32 am

    This is such a useful post! The yoga mats at my gym are so slippery and my feet always end up on the floor. I never knew that yoga socks existed! Such a life saver

    Reply
  17. Sarah Bailey

    November 23, 2018 at 6:09 am

    This is a great post – I am sure it can be annoying if your finding your mat slipping and sliding all over the place. Sometimes you need to make sure you spend a little to get the best thing.

    Reply
  18. Sundeep

    November 23, 2018 at 2:46 am

    Sports injury is a real thing. One should be conscious even while doing yoga. Even a small injury can actually derail your entire workout regime.

    Reply
  19. Adriana Lopez

    November 22, 2018 at 10:47 pm

    Thanks for all the tips and the gear recommendation, really like those anti-slip socks and the pad for under the yoga mat. Both good purchases!

    Reply
  20. Alexandra

    November 22, 2018 at 10:35 pm

    Some great advice here! I have always had this issue! I must confess I haven’t done yoga in so long – I really need to get back into it πŸ™‚ Will save this post for later.

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Di. A yoga teacher with over 20 years experience in the health and wellness industry. My mission is to give you information so you can be fitter, healthier, stress-free and happier (no, seriously).

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