How Do I Stop Slipping On My Yoga Mat? A Guide to Slip-Free Yoga

There’s nothing worse when you are halfway through your vinyasa when your hands start to slide. Next thing you know, your downward-facing almost becomes a downward face-planting dog. My friend, I’ve been there; slipping during yoga is a very common (and very annoying problem). And since you’re here, chances are high you’ve been asking yourself, “How do I stop slipping on my yoga mat?” Don’t worry – you aren’t doomed to slip n’ slide yoga sessions forever!

There are several effective solutions to fix a slippery yoga mat, ranging from selecting the right mat materials to incorporating specific yoga accessories. This guide will help you find the best solution to make your sessions safe, enjoyable, and slip-free.

We’ll also uncover the reasons why yoga mats become slippery and explore various ways to address this common issue.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this article which means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one, I may earn a commission. Full disclaimer here.

Why Slippage Occurs on Yoga Mats

When you unroll or roll out a new yoga mat, you might encounter the same initial slipperiness that turns your peaceful yoga practice into a balancing act. This slippery situation can occur due to a thin surface film from the manufacturing process, especially noticeable on PVC mats and some types of rubber mats.

The Role of Material in Mat Slipperiness

Different mat materials, from PVC to TPE mats and natural rubber, can influence your mat’s level of grip. For instance, PVC mat, while durable and affordable, often has a smooth surface that might be a bit slippery, particularly when you’re breaking a sweat during hot yoga sessions. On the other hand, natural rubber mats usually provide a more non slip surface, but depending on the texture, may still become slick when wet.

Sweat and Moisture: Enemies of Grip

Sweaty palms and feet are a common result of an intensive yoga session, and sweat is one of the biggest culprits behind a slippery mat. Moisture reduces friction between your body and the mat, leading to the potential for slipping and sliding. Especially if you do hot yoga, the extra heat and humidity can make your mat damp and thus, more slippery.

New Mat Slip: An Aging Process

New mats often have that thin surface film that makes your first few yoga practices a bit challenging. However, this slipperiness usually decreases as the mat goes through an ‘aging process.’ Regular use, cleaning, and time can wear down this layer and improve your mat’s grip.

How to Minimize Slippage on Your Mat

Now that you know why your mat might be causing you to slip, let’s explore a few ways on how to stop slipping on your yoga mat, starting with some innovative yoga accessories.

Try Yoga Paws Stickers

Yoga Paws Stickers are specially designed to increase the grip on your mat. These stickers, which come in various shapes and sizes, stick to your mat’s surface and provide a textured, non-slip surface. They to are an inexpensive and effective solution that can help make your yoga mat less slippery.

You can strategically place them where your hands and feet usually rest during your yoga session. I have a pair of these pup paws, (as pictured in the featured image) and although they aren’t perfect, they definitely help. Regularly check and replace them as necessary, as their adhesive will loosen over time.

Add a Yoga Towel

A yoga towel can be a game-changer for those struggling with a slippery yoga mat during hot yoga or sweaty practices. These large towels are typically made from microfiber materials that are super absorbent, soaking up sweat and moisture from your body and hands, thereby reducing the chances of slipping. They’re especially helpful during hot yoga.

Just lay the large towel over your yoga mat and ensure it covers the entire surface. You can wash your towel after each practice to keep it clean and ready for your next session.

Get a Quality Non-Slip Mat

Investing in a high-quality non-slip yoga mat can be your best bet to avoid slipping. These mats are designed with materials and textures that offer excellent traction even when wet. Look for mats with textured surfaces, which provide extra grip.

Natural rubber mats, especially those with a fabric-like texture on the surface, are a popular choice. Keep in mind, though, that a quality non-slip mat might be a bit pricier than your average mat, but the benefits of enhanced safety and stability during your session make it well worth the investment.

For regular yoga, I love my Manduka Pro Lite. After a short breaking-in period (either naturally from repeated use, or by using coarse sea salt), the mat is the second grippiest I’ve ever used! The BMat is my top choice for hot, sweaty yoga sessions, but I’ve also heard great things about the GRP Manduka mat.

Try Manduka’s Yoga Grip Gel

Manduka’s Yoga Grip Gel is a specially designed product to improve the grip on your yoga mat. This non-antibacterial, non-toxic gel can be applied directly to your mat or even your hands and feet to prevent slipping. It’s only designed to be used with a closed-cell mat like the Manduka Pro or ProLite. Open-cell (most hot-yoga mats, like the GRP) are not a good match for this gel.

It works by creating a tacky surface that enhances your grip even during sweat-heavy practices. To use it, apply a small amount of the gel on your hands before practice.

Granted, I haven’t tried this one myself, but I have hard great things about it.

Get a Pair of Yoga Socks or Gloves

Slipping on your yoga mat can sometimes be more about your sweaty palms and feet than the mat itself. This is where yoga socks and gloves come in handy. Designed with non-slip grips on the bottom, yoga socks provide excellent traction, making them an effective solution for slippage.

Similarly, yoga gloves, designed for your hands, offer an extra layer of good grip too. These accessories can be particularly useful if you find yourself frequently practicing in rooms with higher temperatures or humidity where sweat is inevitable.

Plus, they’re cute!

Keep Your Mat Clean

Cleaning your yoga mat regularly can do wonders for preventing slippage. Dirt, oil, and sweat can build up on your mat over time, making it slippery. Create a habit of cleaning your mat after each use with a mild organic surface cleaner (I like the ones that contain tea-tree oil) or a homemade solution of water and apple cider vinegar.

Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can degrade your mat’s surface over time. After cleaning, let your mat hang and make sure it is completely dry before rolling it up again to ensure it’s moisture-free.

Final Thoughts

A slippery yoga mat can turn an otherwise relaxing yoga session into a stressful balancing act. However, now you know what you can do to mitigate slippery sessions – Whether it’s investing in yoga accessories like Yoga Paws stickers, towels, or grip-enhancing yoga socks and gloves or maintaining your mat with regular cleaning, you have the power to transform your practice into a safer, less slip-inducing experience.

Remember, it’s not just about the mat. Your practice can be influenced by many factors, including the type of yoga you choose and how much you sweat. So it’s important to experiment with different solutions to find what works best for you. But don’t let a little slippage stand in your way of enjoying your yoga journey!

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