How to Break in a New Yoga Mat
When you buy a yoga mat, it comes with a sticky sheen on both sides. This coating helps the mat stick to the floor so you stay put while practicing yoga. However, the sheen can be slippery to those with bare feet and those wearing socks. The optimal condition for a mat is to maintain the sheen on the side that will face the floor and wear down the side you stand on.
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Instructions
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Method
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First, do a lot of yoga. Frequently practicing yoga is, not surprisingly, the best way to break in a yoga mat. This will help you create the surface you want and also help the cushion become more dense and supportive. An old, often-used mat usually is the best for grip and comfort. Yoga mats improve with age.
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When not using the mat for yoga, place it in an area with high barefoot traffic. Right outside the bathroom, at the foot of your bed--anywhere you will walk on it a lot without shoes or socks on. Your bare feet will "polish" the mat and create the ideal grip. Make sure you use bare feet--shoes could damage the mat, and socks won't create enough friction.
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Finally, wash your mat. Most commercial yoga mats are machine-washable. Washing your mat will help you break it in faster and also keep it clean and sanitary.
Washing Instructions
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Wash your mat alone in cool water with a little mild detergent.
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Do not machine-dry. Allow the mat to air-dry. You also can roll the mat up with a towel and squeeze out excess water to accelerate the drying process.
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Never to fold the mat while it is drying. You can do permanent damage If you crease the mat while it is wet.
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You also can hand-wash the mat with soap and water if it is too big for a washing machine. Soak a rag in the soapy solution, then wipe your mat clean. Some people also use vinegar to enhance cleaning power.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider the time it will take to break in a new yoga mat before deciding to abandon your old one. Sometimes an old mat actually is best. Don't think of your mat as old--think of it as experienced.
Before your mat is properly broken in, you might slip on it. Be careful when attempting harder stretches on a new mat.
