How To Make Your Yoga Mat Last Longer
When it comes to the longevity of a yoga mat, giving it a little extra TLC can make all the difference. All mats come with care and cleaning instructions, so make sure to read those before using any products on the mat.
A good rule of thumb is to clean or wipe down your mat after each use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if youre using a shared mat at a studio or gym, cleaning after each use is critical.
Dilg says these tips will help support a longer lifespan of your mat:
- Practice with clean hands and feet.
- Spray and wipe down your mat between practices with some essential oil diluted in water or a mat wash product. Many studios clean mats with a mixture of distilled water, white vinegar, and an essential oil like tea tree oil.
- Keep your mat out of direct sunlight and let it hang to dry after a deep sweat.
- Pair your mat with a mat-towel to protect the surface of the mat. Towels can also boost thickness and grip and are easy to clean after an especially sweaty practice.
How Thick Should A Yoga Mat Be
Thicker yoga mats are not always the best option. Some mats make it quite difficult for you to perform certain techniques, such as the Tree Pose, because of the lack of a firm grip on the floor.
The recommended thickness for a typical yoga mat is about 1/8 of an inch.
However, we dont usually recommend mats that are thicker than 1/4 of an inch. Also, note that if you sweat a lot, weve also written an article on the best no-slip yoga mats.
How Long Should A Yoga Pose Be Held
Since I started doing yoga to complement my running routine, I was wondering how long should I hold a yoga pose. If I am in class, the instructor always goes onto the next pose, and I follow her. In that setting, the answer is evident. But what if I am doing yoga alone, at home. Well, then the answer is not so clear. As it turns out, the duration of a yoga pose depends on the type of yoga you are doing. So there is no definitive answer to the question: how long should you hold a yoga pose?
It Is A Simple Way To Reduce Stress
Yoga Nidra encourages a level of deep rest not seen in traditional meditation. Simply practicing the phases of body scan and breath awareness can relax the nervous system, resulting in reduced stress and improved health.
As we have already highlighted before, Yoga Nidra has astounding health benefits and it is an excellent way to reduce stress.
Practicing Yoga Nidra allows you to find yourself as an individualand transform yourself completely. It is truly magical how Yoga Nidra can impact your life.
See also: The Differences Between Regular And Hot Yoga
What I Like About Using A Cork Yoga Mat
Cork mats are easy to clean dirt or sand off of, making them great for outdoor use.
One thing immediately jumped out at me when I took my mat out of its box: There was no odor at all. The rubber-based mats Ive used, including the Lulu mat, have a distinct tire-like smell that takes days of airing out to fade away. I loved that the cork mat didnt have any funky scent to it, because it made me want to use it immediately.
The second thing I noticed, after the smell , was the mats springy texture. The Gaiam mat arrived rolled up so tightly that I worried it might lack the buoyancy I’m used to. However, it maintained a pleasant amount of bounce during the time I used it. I stored the mat rolled up on one end and just laying flat on the floor, and the mat sustained its cushioned surface throughout. This texture also helps it feel supportive, which I love in poses like table and downward dog. I havent had any issues with the mat slipping on my floor, either, thanks to the TPE underside.
The Mat Doesnt Offer Cushioning
The primary purpose of a yoga mat is to provide cushioning for your joints while you practice. If youre experiencing joint pain after practicing, you may need a more supportive yoga mat.
Of course, this can be due to a mat losing cushioning over time, which usually happens so slowly that you dont even realize that its happening. But it can also be that youre just someone who needs a thicker mat.
People going into yoga practice with pre-existing joint conditions sometimes find that typical yoga mats dont provide the cushioning they need, in which case thicker mats can help. Its okay to feel muscle soreness after an intense yoga session, but yoga should never cause or worsen the pain.
You should definitely check your alignment in poses and talk to your yoga teacher and doctor if youre experiencing pain after practicing, but its worth looking into buying a new mat as well to see if it helps.
Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Yoga Mat
Your yoga mat puts up with a lot. Between the sweating and stretching and balancing, it will eventually shows signs of wear and tear that will impact your yoga practice. The general rule of thumb is you should replace your mat every six to 12 months, but with everyone’s yoga practice being different, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs.
Here are 7 clear warning signs it’s time to invest in a new yoga mat:
This Might Be Interesting To You: Essential Elements To Be A True Yogi
The time spent in the postures in the Iyengar Yoga Method .
In Iyengar Yoga, the time spent in the postures differs from other styles or methods of yoga described above. Since the time of permanence and the sequence that is practiced are fundamental elements in its practice. If you are not present in the pose long enough, the mind does not evolve in yoga poses and we will be practicing gymnastics instead of receiving the benefits of yoga. So the only part of our body that is going to be working is the external one.
Average times of 30 seconds to 1 minute are initially recommended. But as the body responds without violence, they must stay a little longer in the positions, to be able to breathe in the position, perceive and balance. And make the mind in its deepest layers begin to surface in the posture. That is why the limit of permanence is measured rather by the state of the body and the state of the mind of the practitioner, but they are not barriers that must not be passed. How Long To Hold Yoga Poses.
Yoga Doesnt Stay On The Mat
Most of this fine print is linked by one thread: for yoga to be a truly effective workout, be prepared to be more accountable in the practice. Its not just about how often you get on the mat. By being an engaged participant, you can achieve much more than mere physical goals. If youre open to it, this practice can change the way you operate off the mat, too; from the relationships you have, the passions you cultivate, down to the food you choose to eat.
You can still practice yoga while patiently waiting in line at the grocery store, working at the office, at home cooking a meal, or on your mat in the yoga studio. This practice unites every part of your life.
If youre still looking for a short answer to how often you should practice yoga, the answer isEvery day, but with one footnote: It doesnt necessarily mean you have to get on your mat every time .
What Is The Best Time Of Day To Do Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra may be practiced at any time of day, as a general rule. However, one restriction must be adhered to: you must allow yourself enough time to digest your last meal properly. That implies you should not practice for at least two hours after consuming food. Because you run the danger of being overcome by tiredness if you dont.
Even though you can practice at any time, there are several times when being conscious in the Yoga Nidra state is easier. This is due to your biological clock. You have periods of increased alertness and periods of increased sleepiness. You can choose the optimum moment for you by paying attention to your natural routine.
See also: Best Time To Practice Yoga For Weight Loss For Optimal Results
What Are The Benefits Of Holding A Yoga Pose
Your strength and stamina are improved significantly by holding a pose for a longer time.
It is because the muscles in your body have to work harder to maintain a pose, and they become stronger in the process.
Holding yoga poses for greater time ensures that blood pumps to all parts of your body. It greatly enhances blood flow.
When you get out of your comfort zone during yoga, you will experience your emotions at a greater level.
As you work on exercise, your mind can focus on inner feelings. It helps you release your everyday worries and focus on your true self.
Its like everything sinks into your belly and your legs during yoga. You start to feel quiet, and your mind becomes grounded.
Most of us do not breathe fresh air enough. Yoga helps you focus on your breathing.
It allows you to inhale and exhale more deeply and more freely.
Yoga ultimately stretches your neck, spine, and hips. It loosens up the tight muscles in the body. It leads to greater flexibility and strength.
Unwinding your muscles leads to alleviation of stress and depression.
Yoga is a natural cure to relieve all physical as well as mental pain. Holding the poses for the right amount of time strengthens your spinal energy relieving backache, and alleviating headaches.
Prepping Your Mat For Use
Very few mats are practice-ready from the get-go — even so-called nonslip mats. Walking on a mat for several days will help prep your mat for use, as will washing it in a washing machine with a small amount of detergent and then hanging it to air dry. Of course, the best way to break in a new mat is to practice on it. The more often you practice, the more quickly your mat will feel like home. Over time, youll find your mats sweet spot, those places where your hands and feet naturally go when accessing specific poses.
How Long Should You Hold A Yoga Pose In Different Yoga Styles
For example I started doing bikram yoga.There a pose can go anywhere between 20 second up to 2 hours. However different studios differ on this, even though buckram yoga should follow a very strict order of poses. Vinyasa yoga looks more like a continuous dance, a flow. There a yoga pose can last anywhere between 5 seconds and 20 seconds. Since Ashtanga focuses on breathing more, there a pose can go on for at least 45 seconds, but more importantly you always have to perform at least five breaths in one pose. Hatha yoga is the most straightforward, they hold each pose for one minute. In Yin Yoga you might hold passive stretches for up to five minutes.
No matter which style of yoga you start, it will help you challenge your limiting beliefs, master your body and calm down your mind. A good rule of thumb to follow when holding yoga poses, is that they are not intended to cause you any harm. If you feel pain or you feel yourself stretching way beyond your comfortable limits, you should stop. There is a sweet spot you can hit where you are pushing yourself just enough that you are out of your comfort zone, but you are not causing yourself any long term injuries. There is a sweet spot to reach between attempting to get better and tolerating pain.
But shouldnt you keep poses as long as possible? How long should you hold a yoga pose? Well, as I wrote you want to avoid long term injuries and pain. The secret is to build up gradually, each time holding a pose a little longer.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Yoga Mat
When trying to buy a product that you know you will use almost every single day, you must take the time to check it out thoroughly. Look for something that is the perfect fit, and make sure that you are getting the most out of your money.
With yoga mats, there are four factors that you need to consider in order to choose the one that matches your specific needs and preferences.
- Size
Yoga is a practice that is embraced by individuals from all walks of life. Men, women, and children from all over the world enjoy this discipline and do it as a form of exercise. That being said, it is understandable that there are varying sizes of yoga mats that are available on the market today.
The standard size for a yoga mat has a length of 172 centimeters or around 68 inches. If you are a beginner, it is advisable to invest in a yoga mat that is in the accustomed length. However, if you know you are shorter or taller than the average individual, then you can go ahead and buy a yoga mat that is the right length for you.
To know if a yoga mat is the perfect length for you, test it by doing a Downward-Facing Dog position. In such pose, both hands and feet should be rested firmly on the mat. You can also lie down and check if your head is positioned safely on the mat and not on the bare floor. Longer yoga mats measure up to 85 inches.
- Material
- Weight
- Thickness
How To Clean A Closed
Elena Kloppenburg/Stocksy
Best Direction For Study Table By Vastu
Just as which is the best direction to study, equivalent importance is given to finding the best direction for study table. Having your study table at the right spot is of utmost importance as per Vastu. The right placing of the study table helps students concentrate better on their lessons.
- According to Vastu, North or East is the best direction for your study table as this direction can boost your concentration.
- Vastu says it is essential to leave some good gap between the wall and the study table.
- Vastu has also suggested the best direction for keeping the books. As per Vastu experts, the ideal direction for keeping your books is the North-East.
Concentration plays a crucial role while studying; therefore a de-cluttered environment and clean study table at all time increase our ability to focus well. A clean desk is like a fresh canvas symbolic to the land of possibilities for the creative and it is easier to do stuff at a neat table for anybody. You can also put some inspirational posters or ideas on the wall in front of your study table.
Do you know which is the best direction to study by feng shui? Just as Vastusharta, Feng Shui also recommends the similar best directions to study, that are, North and East.
What Is The Standard Size For A Yoga Mat
I recommend that you purchase a yoga mat that suits your body type and size. As you see in this article, yoga mats come in a wide selection of styles, colors, thicknesses, materials, and lengths.
While there are no fixed measurements set by yoga professionals, the standard size for a yoga mat is 68 inches long and 24 inches wide.
Essential Face Yoga Exercises
Just like we work out our body muscles to stay fit and sculpted, its important to work the 41 muscles of our face as well. As we approach World Yoga Day, Vibhuti Arora, Face Tool and Face Yoga Practioner, tells us everything about Facial Yoga.
No matter what your age is, youthful, fresh and glowing skin is considered the holy grail of beauty. Everywhere you look, makeup and cosmetic brands, beauty experts, and dermatologists, everyone is offering us products and procedures to make our skin look young and fabulous. What we do need to remember in our quest for youthful-looking skin is that a lot of it depends on what lies beneath the surface! Diet and exercise have a huge impact on the way we look. So, just like we work out our body muscles to stay fit and sculpted, its important to work the 41 muscles of our face as well. Each of these muscles, when toggled and nudged in the right direction prevents sagging, increases blood flow to the face thus improving absorption of any cream or oils we may apply, nourishing and toning our face.
Exercises for Frown Lines Reduction
Get started by taking a few deep breaths. Its important to switch off from the hustle-bustle and calm yourself. Stretch your neck 2 to 3 times to either side to open and release the muscles.
Deep Breath: Breathing exercises dont have to take a lot of time out of your day. Its really just about setting aside some time to pay attention to your breathing. Here are a few ideas to get started
Should You Hold A Yoga Pose For A Long Time Or A Short Time
Experiment with holding a pose for a long time and a short time. This way, you can get the benefits of each category. Practicing yoga asanas is a great way to improve your physical, mental, and emotional health but only when you do them efficiently.
Focus on finding the balance between challenging your body and pushing its boundaries, and honoring what it can do at the present moment. Listen to your body, so you can move mindfully and avoid hurting yourself. And as always, move with your breath.
Let Your Breath Guide You
Breath is such a huge component of yoga and its what makes many forms of yoga somewhat meditative anyway.
Try to find your Ujjayi breath , in which you inhale and exhale through your nose while maintaining a slight contraction in the back of your throat and keeping your lips shut.
It sounds similar to the haaaah sound you make when fogging up a mirror. Start on an exhale, and then match each pose to your breath but feel free to hold poses for multiple breaths.
With each exhale, try to release the thoughts and feelings that are no longer serving you.
Get Educated: Synthetic Vs Natural Rubber Construction
My first official yoga mat was purchased years ago from Lululemon and was one of their original mats that has a 5 millimeter thickness for extra cushioning. Its made from polyurethane, which has kept its shape and preserved its sleek surface with minimal effort on my part.
But polyurethane and other synthetic materials like PVC mats perform differently than natural rubber and they are also cleaned and cared for differently.
While its generally okay to use a drop of soap and warm water to wipe down synthetic mats, the chemicals in soap can break down and destroy natural rubber. Unfortunately, natural rubber mats usually have a strong rubbery smell and are typically in the most need of a good cleaning.
Most natural yoga mat cleaners either for purchase or DIY home recipes contain vinegar as a soap-substitute, for its germ-killing properties.
While its essential to disinfect your mat, especially when youre practicing at a studio and exposed to everyone elses sweat and germs, there are some natural alternatives to vinegar for those who dont care for the smell. Because lets face it, no matter how much peppermint and lavender essential oil you add to the mix, it still smells like you are laying on a mat doused with pickle juice.
How Long Should Yoga Sessions Be
Practicing yoga is similar to most forms of exercise in that both shorter and longer sessions can still be beneficial. Whether intertwining yoga and meditation time for a short 20-minute session, or going for an extended workout- longer than an hour, both can do wonders for flexibility, muscle strength and result in numerous other health benefits. Here are some helpful tidbits to show the specific benefits of short and long duration yoga sessions.
Say No To Full Submersion
Although this may sound counterintuitive, its not the best practice to hose down or soak your yoga mat. Why? Because water is going to break down the construction of your mat, and could, at the very least, cause it to become deformed.
Most mats have specific instructions for care and cleaning, but not many will give you details about putting your mat in the washing machine. The thought had never even crossed my mind, but apparently its a thing.
To err on the safe side, youll want to use a towel or warm cloth and whichever cleaning agent is appropriate for the type of mat you own. If you are unsure about what type of material your mat is made from, make sure to do some research first so you dont do any unintentional damage.
You can clean your mat as often as you feel is necessary. For me, with regular practice, about once a week makes sense, with some exceptions .
If you do decide to add some warm water when washing your mat and get carried away, or mistakenly expose it to an excessive amount of water, youll want to keep your mat rolled out flat to air dry overnight, or as long as it takes to become completely dry. And no, the dryer is not an option
Stick With Challenging Poses To Build Muscle Strength And Confidence
Iyengar teacher Patricia Walden thinks that two key actions help students cultivate confidence: repeating poses and holding them for long periods of time. Some poses might be difficult to hold. But you can repeat them in order to build tenacity. Aim to hold these poses, especially the three Virabhadrasanas , for 20 seconds or as long as you can to ignite your willpower. Over time, increase your hold times to build endurance. Muscular action is the most direct expression of willpower in our body. These poses engage muscular action and strength. From that you develop confidence, says Walden, who adds that introspection is part of the process.
When you want to come out of a pose, see if you can stay with the discomfort a few more seconds. There are psychological benefits to challenging yourself to do something youve never done before. It took me a year to do Handstand. When I finally was able to balance on my hands, it was transformative, says Walden. Working through difficulty requires tapas , and you feel your power. Doing something when your mind or body says it doesnt want tothats empowering.
Ways To Measure Progression
For 27-year-old Christy, yoga was a helping hand in kicking a pain killer addiction that left her insecure, emotional, overweight, and anxious. Through three months of journaling and private yoga practices, Christy found it easier to make choices that were good for her. She combined high-vigor Vinyasa classes and calming meditation practices, resulting in weight loss, self-confidence, and an overall sense of control.
Here are some ways to measure progression:
1. Journal
Write daily or weekly following the measurements above to chart your progress. Include events or situations that may have occurred. Document your experience, reaction, or emotions throughout. As time passes, itll be insightful to look back and review your past entries.
2. Group or 1:1 classes or therapy
This can be group classes, 1:1 private yoga sessions, or therapy of any kind. When we involve professionals or nonbiased third parties, we allow for a second set of eyes to help us see our own progression.
3. Ask for feedback
It can feel intimidating to ask loved ones or coworkers to comment on your progress, but it can also lead to many insights. Maybe someones noticed youre less stressed and smile more often. Sometimes its easier for others to see us before we can truly see ourselves.
4. Set target dates
5. Look at the scale or create before and after photos
This is a practice of overall well-being, so be kind to yourself and repeat this mantra: Practice makes progression!
