If you’re sitting there thinking a yoga mat is, well, just for yoga, it’s time to think again!! In fact, there are so many other uses for a yoga mat. Seriously we’re not kidding. And in today’s climate of repurposing and extending product life, there’s no better reason to save your old mat from landfill. So read on to find out how to get the most out of your yoga mat.

1. Yoga Mat for Pilates

That’s right, a yoga mat doesn’t have to be restricted to yoga. A non-slip yoga mat is just perfect for Pilates, another system of physical exercises and stretches that improve physical strength, posture and flexibility as well as being beneficial for mental health too. We love the Yogi Bare Natural Rubber Extreme Grip Yoga Mat for practising our Pilates comfortably and safely.

2. Yoga Mat for Dog Bed

Yes! You heard that right. Well, why not? After all, it’s soft, comfortable, and supportive. Think of it as a mattress topper for your pet. All you have to do is press it down into your dog’s bed, cover with a blanket and hey presto, your dog will love the added touch of luxury.

Another great idea is to donate an old yoga mat to your local canine shelter as they’re always on the lookout for more bedding.

3. Yoga Mat for Gardening Knee Pad

When the time comes and you upgrade to your next yoga mat, don’t be tempted to throw the old one out. In fact, yoga mats can be extremely handy for gardening. Doing the weeding or planting certainly can take its toll on knees and ankles, so what better way to repurpose an old mat and use it as soft cushioning for limbs.

Alternatively place it somewhere strategically in the garden, leave it for a while and let it smother the weeds!

4. Yoga Mat for Callisthenics

Callisthenics is a form of strength training that targets large muscle groups. Think lunges, burpees, pull ups, chin-ups, and the mighty plank. Thing is you’re going to get pretty darn sweaty meaning slipping, sliding and injuries are always a possibility. An easy way to resolve this, of course, is to use an extra-long and extra-wide enhanced grip yoga mat like the Yogi Bare Paws X Mat.

5. Yoga Mat for Kid’s Messy Projects

Do you sigh inwardly when the kids ask you to get the paint out? If the thought fills you with utter dread, remember that you’re not the only one. A great way to avoid the spills and mess is to lay out your old yoga mat and get them to do their artwork on top of it. It makes it so much easier to clean up afterwards because you can easily wipe it down. Job done!

6. Yoga Mat for Picnics

Sitting on the grass can be downright uncomfortable sometimes and it's even worse when it’s wet. You deserve a bit of comfort so keep a yoga mat in the car ready for picnics, the beach and for those times when you’ve got to watch the kids playing football or any outdoor sports. Use it to sit on and you can give it a wipe down after use and hey presto, it’s as good as new!

7. Yoga Mat for Holidays

Roll up the ultra-portable Yogi Bare Teddy Mat and bring it on holiday with you. Obviously, a portable yoga mat is great for a spot of outdoor yoga or to use in your home away from home, but it also comes in handy for other things too. Why not use it on your sun lounger under a beach towel for extra padding or pop it in the bathtub to avoid little ones slipping over?

8. Yoga Mat for Homeless Shelters

A good deed could be to donate an old yoga mat to a homeless shelter or a homeless person so that it can be used as a sleeping pad.

9. Yoga Mat for HIIT Workout

Nowadays a quick high intensity interval training (HIIT) work-out that can be slotted into the working day makes sense for a lot of people. To absorb the shock and protect the ankles, knees, and spine and prevent slipping and sliding, use a non-slip mat, like one of those made by Yogi Bare.

And you can get the most out of your session by doubling up on a dose of cardio exercise followed by a relaxing yoga session.

10. Yoga Mat for Draw Liners

So, you’ve got yourself a new yoga mat and are wondering what to do with the old one. How about cutting it into pieces to line your drawers or kitchen shelves? Or use it as a foot pad for chairs and furniture? What about using it as a doorstop, cutting it into a mouse pad, or as a mat to keep the dog or cat bowl in place. You could even roll it up and plug up those draughty places! There’s really no limit to what you can use a yoga mat for!!

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