Yoga Mat Question

The following question was submitted on my Facebook page:

Nadine, I have a semi new yoga mat and it is so slippery I can't do some poses as far as I want to for fear of falling. Can you recommend any good mats that I'll 'stick' to? I need a mat as doing yoga on the carpet is just as slippy for me. Thanks!

My answer:

Before recommending options for new mats, there are a couple of things you could do with your existing mat if you haven't already tried them. First: wash the mat well (sometimes it takes a while for the new mat film to wear off otherwise). Second: try a towel over the mat with a little bit of water to help with traction.

If neither of those options works for you, a new mat is the way to go. In my experience, thicker mats are generally stickier. I also find conventional mats stickier (the ones with waffle construction rather than a different type of texture pattern). Several of my students swear by the inexpensive mats at Winners.

Another couple of things: don't apply lotion to your feet in the hour before you're going to use the mat and engage your feet (active pressure down through your foot). This will help you get the best grip you can on whatever mat you use.

Good luck!