For all the regular yoga class attendees out there, we all know the feeling of wearing out our beloved yoga mat and needing to purchase a new one. If you are using your yoga mat regularly, you may start to feel like it’s not as good as it used to be. In this article, we will be helping you notice some common instances where a new mat is needed.

Have You Noticed Cracks In Your Yoga Mat?

One of the most common signs of a yoga mat that needs replacing is recognisable damage to the actual product. For instance, if, when doing your regular yoga routine, you notice that the mat is starting to tear or crack in certain areas, it could be time to invest in a new one. With all sports, it’s important to have optimal equipment - yoga is no different. Having a mat which will support all of your poses and keep up with your everyday yoga classes is vital. 

Of course, there are some steps you can take to prolong the life of your yoga mat. For example, some mats will go dry and begin to crack if they are left out in the sun. We all know how it is - in the summer, doing stretches in the garden is a must! However, try not to leave your mat outside after use. Whilst this is super convenient for all of us regular yogis, it can negatively impact your mat. 

Whilst taking every opportunity to protect your yoga equipment, you will find that one day, your mat will need replacing. Typically, after two years of constant use, you may start to see signs of wear which is indicative that it may be worth you purchasing a new one.

Not as Soft Anymore

Another good indicator of your mat having seen better days is that it’s not as soft anymore. There is nothing quite like that new mat feeling, where it’s soft on your skin and supports your body as you move from position to position. However, over time, you may find that your mat begins to feel a little rougher. This is due to the friction created on the mat through regular use. Again, similar to cracks appearing, you have a lot of time and many uses before this begins to happen. However, if you have noticed that your mat is slightly less comfortable, then consider purchasing a new one for your next yoga session. 

Losing Grip When In Use

When practising yoga, you will rely on your mat to offer you a certain level of grip. Most yoga sessions require you to have bare feet, which means that the surface below you will be supporting your movements and typically, the material of your mat will prevent you from slipping over. If you find yourself unable to grip your mat anymore or even find yourself slowly sliding when practising more tricky poses, then it’s definitely time to head on over to Yogi Bare and pick out a new mat. Yoga is meant to bring an air of calmness to your day and this can become difficult when worrying about your own health and safety. We highly recommend switching out your mat if you start to feel like you are losing grip when using it.

Our Recycled Mat Scheme

If any of the above problems sound familiar to you, then purchasing a mat and disposing of your old one may be next up on your agenda. Yogi Bare helps the planet in many ways, including recycling your old yoga mats. We have collaborated with the amazing company Safer Surfacing which has enabled us to be able to recycle all of your yoga mats. 

Safer Surfacing has a mission to recycle one of the world’s most commonly wasted and toughest materials to get rid of, which is rubber. Using all of your thrown away yoga mats, they are able to create high quality rubber chipping which can go into play areas and parks. Not only does this solve the problem of unused rubber material, but it also makes these spaces safer for children as this chipping prevents injuries, helps cities bloom and even protects hooves in equestrian centres. Now, you can disregard your yoga mats without the worry of effecting the planet