4 Signs You Need to Replace Your Yoga Mat

Introduction

We love for our yoga mat to remain intact forever as we get attached to it. Unfortunately, sweating and jumping will eventually show some wear and tear that may impact your practice.

Which Factors Determine How Long a Yoga Mat Will Last?

Yoga mats are made from different materials, some more durable than others. The more expensive mats are typically made from natural rubber and have a more comfortable texture. And they also have a better grip on the ground, and they last longer as well.
A few factors determine how long your mat will last. For example, if you practice hot yoga, your mat will wear out quicker because of the heat and sweat. And if you’re practicing on a hardwood floor, your mat is more likely to wear out because it’s constantly sliding around on the hard surface.
Regular care and maintenance determine how long your mat lasts. It is essential to clean it after every practice and never let it sit in water because it will rot faster.

What are the Dangers of Using an Old or Defected Yoga Mat, And Why You Should Replace it ASAP?

Old or defective yoga mats are materials that can lead to various health problems. The most common problem is the breakdown of old and faulty yoga mats and the release of toxic chemicals. In extreme cases, these chemicals can cause skin allergies, respiratory diseases, and even cancer.
In addition, an old or defective yoga mat can also be a fire hazard because it will break down over time and release fumes. When you use it, you are putting yourself at risk for these health and safety hazards.

4 Signs You Need To Change Your Yoga Mat:

1. It is uneven: the surface of your yoga mat should be even and comfortable. You can tell if the mat is uneven when its thickness is not uniform and varies across different sections. When the edges of the yoga mat become thinner than the body of the yoga mat areas, it indicates that the mat is uneven and it is time to replace it. How much time does this process take? It differs for each person depending on how rigorous and frequent their practice is.
2. Not sticky anymore: you’ve been training for a while, and finally, you’ve got the pose, all went well until you started to lose the balance, but this was not the case a few weeks back. It is frustrating and dangerous since it’s straightforward to injure yourself. Check if the yoga mat is falling apart (when you find small pieces on the ground) or if it becomes thinner in some sections, as described in the previous point.
3. Difficult to hold balance: a non-slippery yoga mat is essential for any serious yogi. No matter how you practice (hot classes, heated vinyasa, etc.), there’s no way without a sticky yoga mat. When your hands or feet start to slip on the mat while in downward dog or other poses, and this was not the case before, the culprit is your mat. The top layer loses its grip with time and practice. The Best Grip Yoga Mat from Store4Yoga is a top studio and home practice choice. It is made from a non-slip material that helps you keep your footing in any pose and offers excellent traction when you’re sweaty. The mat stays true to the ground, so it won’t slip or move around, even during vigorous sessions.
4. It’s stinky: the yoga mat smells! It’s the worst sign, in my opinion. Imagine you are in a child pose, and your mat stinks. Instead of focusing on your breath, your attention is diverted to the bad smell. Not to mention that it can be an indication of bacterial growth. Who would accommodate that? One of the main reasons people turn to yoga is because it can help them find peace of mind. How can you achieve this when your mat smells?

Conclusion

Everything has an end, and your yoga mat is not an exception. Its lifespan depends on many factors, including the material’s quality and maintenance. However, there are a lot of ways to prolong its lifespan. To ensure that it lasts as long as possible, never step on it with shoes, wipe it down after every use, and store it in a cool, dry place. When your yoga mat starts to show aging signs like the ones discussed in this article, it is time to replace it as soon as possible to ensure you have a safe and fun practice.

My love for yoga motivated me to start store4yoga, an online yoga store for yoga essentials. I love having many yoga mats, and I alternate between them as I practice almost daily. However, the more rigorous the practice, the faster it is necessary to replace the mat. In general, I change my Yoga mat every year. What about you?

Is it time to change yours?

Click here to see the variety of mats.