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If you’re a yoga fan, I’m sure you would have heard of the Manduka yoga mat, it’s a top-quality and durable mat that is designed to last a lifetime.
The Manduka yoga mat is made of eco-friendly materials and has a dense and cushioned surface that gives your joints and spine the comfort they deserve(and needs).
The Manduka yoga mat also has a closed-cell structure which means it prevents moisture and bacteria from seeping into the mat, making it really easy to clean and keep maintained.
The Downside
However, the Manduka yoga mat also has a downside: it can be very slippery when it’s brand new.
Look it’s not the end of the world but this can be frustrating and even dangerous for your practice, especially if you lose your grip and balance on the mat.
Luckily, there is a solution to this problem: you can break in your Manduka yoga mat and make it more sticky and grippy.
Breaking Down the Mat
Manduka recommends breaking in your mat as being a process that involves using the mat regularly and exposing it to natural elements – like the sun and outdoor air.
The more you use the mat, the more it will wear down and develop a surface texture that will greatly improve your traction and stability.
Here are also some tips and tricks that you can use to speed up the process and make your mat ready for your practice even sooner.
Quickly Breaking in Your Yoga Mat – Method 1
One of the most popular and effective methods to break in your Manduka yoga mat is to use sea salt. Sea salt is a natural abrasive that can help you scrub off the slippery layer on the surface of the mat and create some friction. Here are the steps to follow:
Prepare a large and flat surface, such as a tarp or a plastic shower curtain, and lay your mat on top of it.
Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over the entire surface of the mat. You can use about half a cup of salt for a standard-sized mat.
Rub the salt into the mat using your hands, a towel, or a brush. You can use circular motions, like you would wax a surfboard, or back and forth motions, like you would scrub a carpet. Be careful not to hurt your hands with the salt, and wear gloves if you need to.
Let the salt sit on the mat for at least 24 hours, or longer if you want a more intense effect.
Wipe off the salt with a damp cloth or sponge, and then dry the mat with a towel or let it air dry.
Repeat the process if you are not satisfied with the results, or if the mat is still slippery.
Quickly Breaking in Your Yoga Mat – Method 2
Another method to break in your Manduka yoga mat is to expose it to sunshine (if it’s that time of year for you).
Sunlight can help you soften the mat and make it more pliable and responsive. Here are the steps to follow:
Find a sunny spot, such as a balcony, a backyard, or a park, and lay your mat flat on the ground.
Leave the mat under the sun for a few hours, preferably during the hottest time of the day. You can flip the mat halfway through to expose both sides to the sun.
Avoid leaving the mat under the sun for too long, as it may damage the mat or fade its color. A couple of hours should be enough.
Bring the mat back indoors and let it cool down before using it.
If All Else Fails….
The final and most important method for breaking in your Manduka yoga mat is to practice on it.
Nothing beats the power of your own sweat and body heat to make the mat more sticky and comfortable. Here are some tips to follow:
Use the mat as often as possible, preferably every day or at least a few times a week. The more you practice on the mat, the faster it will break in.
Store the mat in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, or moisture. You can roll it up or leave it flat, depending on your preference and space.
Conclusion
By following any or all of these methods, you can break in your Manduka yoga mat and enjoy its benefits ASAP.
The Manduka yoga mat is a premium and long-lasting mat that can support you for years to come.
It may take some time and effort to break it in, but it will be worth it in the end.
You will be able to experience a more comfortable, stable, and satisfying practice on your Manduka yoga mat.
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