You set up your downward dog, and your hands start travelling toward the front of the mat. Or the whole mat drifts across the floor. Both are common, both are fixable, and neither means you are doing yoga wrong.
Why does a yoga mat slip?
A slipping mat is usually one of three things: sweat or oil on the surface, a floor the mat cannot grip, or a surface that does not suit the way you practise. Start with the cheapest fix and work down the list.
Wash off lotion and oil first
Hand lotion, body oil and sunscreen are the quiet culprits. Wash your hands before you practise and skip heavy moisturiser on your hands and feet. If you practise after a workout, wipe your palms first.
Add a yoga towel for sweaty sessions
If you run warm, a yoga towel over the mat is the most reliable fix. It absorbs moisture where a mat alone cannot. Our [Yoga Towel] is the same 183 x 61 cm size as our [Yoga Mat], so it covers the full surface rather than a corner.
Check the floor, not just the mat
If the whole mat slides, the problem is underneath. Polished hardwood, tile and dusty floors all reduce grip. Sweep or wipe the floor, and choose a mat with a natural rubber base, which tends to hold better on smooth surfaces.
Choose a surface that grips as you move
Microfiber surfaces tend to feel steadier as you warm up, because a little moisture helps them hold rather than slide. Our [Yoga Mat] is made with rPET microfiber and natural rubber, so the surface and the base each do a job.
Give a new mat a few sessions
Some new mats feel slick at first. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth and a few practices usually settles that.
Adjust your hand placement
Spread your fingers wide, press through the whole hand and rotate your upper arms outward slightly. A wider base is steadier than a collapsed one.
Quick checklist
- Clean, dry hands, no lotion
- Towel for sweaty sessions
- Wiped floor
- Rubber-backed mat
- Fingers spread, weight through the whole hand
FAQ
Why does my yoga mat slide on the floor?
Smooth floors and dust reduce grip. Wipe the floor and use a mat with a natural rubber base.
How do I stop my hands slipping in downward dog?
Wash off lotion, use a yoga towel if you sweat, and spread your fingers wide.
Should I wash a new yoga mat?
A light wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough. Follow the care instructions that come with your mat.
Shop the YOGA MAT and YOGA TOWEL collections at MARA BODY. Not sure which thickness suits you? Read How Thick Should a Yoga Mat Be?