How Long Does a Yoga Mat Last? (7 Signs You Need to Replace It)
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The life expectancy of a yoga mat varies depending on how much you use it and its quality.
When your mat does start to reach its end of life, however, there are some clear signs that it’s time to replace it. This will help prevent injury and increase comfort when practicing yoga!
So, let’s learn how long a yoga mat typically lasts and identify the seven signs it might be time to replace it.
How Long Does a Yoga Mat Last?
A yoga mat will typically last between one and two years before it needs to be replaced. The lifespan of a yoga mat is largely determined by its quality, how often you use it, and how well you care for it.
Of course, one to two years is simply an average. And it’s important to note that number is skewed pretty low due to all of the cheap yoga mats sold at big box stores.
A higher-quality mat like the Lululemon 5mm Reversible Yoga Mat (made of mostly rubber and polyurethane) can easily be used for 5+ years. Lululemon yoga mats are a bit pricier than your average mat, but it’s well worth it in the long run.
Jade yoga mats, which can run as high as $199, offer even better quality, in my opinion, using no cheap synthetic materials, and instead opting for natural rubber from rubber trees. I know yogi’s who have used Jade mats for ten years and running.
The popular Manduka yoga mats, made from PVC, range from $50 up to $299 per mat. According to Manduka, their mats last up to 10 years with proper care and use. And they even back that up with a lifetime guarantee (with lots of fine print, so read up before purchasing).
Slightly less durable, in my opinion, but still a great eco-friendly option is cork yoga mats. The Gaiam Performance Mandal Cork Yoga Mat is a great quality mat that runs less than $50. I don’t have any long-term experience with them, but they do back their work with a lifetime guarantee (again, read the fine print).
So, do your research before buying just any ol’ yoga mat from your neighborhood retail store. And check out our guide titled Why Do I Need a Yoga Mat? for tips on choosing the best yoga mat for your needs.
7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Yoga Mat
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<p>Yoga performed on a worn mat might harm your body and result in serious injuries. But, how do you know when your yoga mat has gone bad?</p>
<p><em>Your mat will tell you!</em></p>
<p>Here are seven different <strong>signs that your yoga mat is worn out and should be replaced</strong> for not only your comfort but safety, as well.</p>
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1) The Mat Is Falling Apart
Let’s start with the most obvious. If your mat is visibly falling apart or you find tiny pieces of your mat on the floor after rolling it up, it’s time to buy a new one.
Visible wear and damage is the most telltale sign of needing a new mat. So, if your mat is shedding, cracking, starting to tear, or developing holes, it’s time to part with your beloved mat once and for all.
2) The Mat Is Lumpy
Another, sometimes not so obvious visible sign, is a lumpy mat.
To check for this is, lay the mat flat out, and lay on the floor next to it, looking for any unevenness in the surface. The best way to describe this is to think of how a golfer kneels or gets on all fours to gauge the pitch of a putting green.
If certain areas of your mat appear squished down or the cushioning is uneven, especially where your hands and feet are typically placed, it’s a good indication that the padding is starting to break down.
3) You’re Starting to Experience Joint Pain
Certain poses put extra strain on the joints like your wrists and knees, and a worn-out yoga mat won’t offer much in terms of comfort or protection.
If you’re having trouble performing poses during your yoga session because your mat doesn’t properly cushion certain areas of your body, resulting in joint discomfort, it’s might be time to upgrade.
4) The Grip Is Fading
If your feet and hands continuously slip in poses like the Dolphin pose and Downward Facing Dog, it’s a sign that your mat is worn out.
When you’re sweaty during yoga practice, traction is especially crucial in nailing those difficult poses.
Typically, your mat will start to form bald spots as it becomes less sticky. This brings us to…
5) The Mat Is Forming Bald Spots
Another visual cue that you need a new mat is when you notice bald spots forming on it. You’ll typically notice this in heavily used spots, like where your hands and feet often go.
These bald spots will eventually become slip hazards that can lead to injury. So, as soon as you notice these spots start to form, it’s time to consider a new yoga mat.
6) The Mat Is Smelly
If the yoga mat is emitting any odors that cleaning doesn’t seem to remove, it’s time to consider purchasing a new one. For the sake of yourself, and those around you!
Choosing a high-quality antimicrobial and antibacterial mat, along with proper cleaning, will help prevent this from happening in the future.
7) It’s Increasingly Difficult to Hold Balancing Yoga Poses
If all the above seem to check out, yet you’re starting to experience issues with balance poses, then it may be a less recognizable problem with your mat.
Many of the above issues, like lumpiness in your mat and fading grip, for example, are subtle at first. So subtle you might not even notice them right away.
So, if you’re experiencing difficulty holding poses, especially ones that require a certain level of balance, it’s time to really inspect your exercise mat for any of the above issues before they lead to discomfort or injury.
Related: 5 Yoga Mat Alternatives: What to Use Instead of a Yoga Mat
What Do You Wear to a Yoga Class?
What Do You Wear to a Yoga Class?
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Are you heading to your first yoga class and wondering what to wear?
Or maybe you’ve practiced yoga for a while and are thinking about changing your go-to outfit for something that you feel more comfortable in?
Below you’ll discover the best tops and bottoms to wear to yoga, what to wear depending on the style of yoga you’re practicing, whether you need to bring anything to class, and how to wear your hair.
What Should You Not Wear to Yoga?
It might be easier to answer the question “what do you wear to a yoga class” by first looking at what you shouldn’t wear.
Ultimately, you can wear anything you want to a yoga class! The most important thing is that you feel comfortable.
Because of that, you’ll want to avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose as they could get in the way of your practice.
You also don’t want to spend the entire class adjusting your outfit…
Do You Wear Socks or Shoes to Yoga?
Yoga is usually practiced barefoot, even if you’re attending an outdoor class.
This is because yoga allows you to stretch, strengthen, and utilize all of the muscles in your feet without the restraints of shoes.
If you find your bare feet slipping on our yoga mat, you can opt for a pair of yoga socks with sticky pads on the bottom, which can help to make your practice more comfortable.
What Kind of Top to Wear to Yoga
Although you might feel more comfortable in a loose-fitting top, you’ll need to consider that it’s likely to slide down and potentially cover your face during poses such as downward-facing dog. And it can even be a safety hazard in an Aerial yoga class.
Related: What to Wear to Aerial Yoga
Tighter-fitting tank tops or t-shirts will stay in place and give you the freedom of movement needed during fast-paced classes such as vinyasa yoga. They’ll also help to keep you cool when things get sweaty.
If you’re practicing a slower floor-based style of yoga, such as yin yoga or restorative yoga, you might prefer to wear your comfiest t-shirts or long-sleeved tops to help soothe your body and nervous system. Longer sleeves and thicker material will also help to keep you warm in slow-paced classes.
What Kind of Bottoms to Wear to Yoga
Choosing what bottoms to wear to yoga also depends on what you feel comfortable in and the style of yoga you will be practicing.
Generally speaking, tight bottoms such as leggings or shorts will make it easier and more comfortable to practice fast-paced styles of yoga such as vinyasa or power yoga.
If you’re joining a yin, restorative, or other slow-paced yoga class, you can wear anything that feels comfortable!
Remember that you will be moving your body into all kinds of positions. So if you usually don’t feel comfortable wearing particularly short shorts in public, you probably won’t feel comfortable wearing these during a yoga class either.
What to Wear to a Hot Yoga Class?
A hot yoga class is exactly how it sounds: hot and sweaty.
Because of that, you’ll probably want to opt for tight-fitting sports clothes that are breathable and moisture-wicking.
For women, we recommend wearing a sports bra underneath your yoga clothes so that you can practice in this if the class gets too hot for clothes!
How to Wear Your Hair to a Yoga Class?
Although some of the best social media photos feature people practicing yoga with their hair down, this isn’t always practical during a yoga class.
Again, how you choose to wear your hair during a yoga class depends completely upon how you feel the most comfortable.
If you choose to wear your hair down, you might want to bring a hair tie or headband to move your hair out of your face if it keeps getting in the way.
Do You Need to Bring Anything Else to Your Yoga Class?
When attending a studio yoga class, you don’t need to bring anything other than yourself and the clothes you want to practice in.
However, here are a few extra items that you might want to consider depending on personal preference, the studio, and the style of class.
Yoga Mat
Although most yoga studios will be able to provide you with a mat, you might prefer to practice on your own. Check before you attend the class to see whether the equipment is included and whether you need to bring anything.
Yoga Blocks
Props such as blocks and cushions are usually available in yoga studios, but you can bring your own if you choose to! If you tend to use blocks throughout your practice, check to see whether there will be any available for you to use.
Towel
Both small hand towels and large towels that cover your mat will be beneficial during hot yoga classes and other styles that tend to get a bit sweaty.
Yoga Socks
These are great if you don’t like practicing with bare feet or if you find yourself slipping on yoga mats.
Blanket
Savasana or corpse pose can feel a bit chilly at the end of a yoga class, so check with your studio to see whether or not they provide blankets. Otherwise, you might like to bring your own.
Water bottle
Although some teachers recommend that you don’t drink during class, you’ll want to ensure that you’re hydrating both before and after class. If you’re practicing hot or prenatal yoga, keep a water bottle with you to stay hydrated throughout the class.
A snack
Although you want to avoid practicing yoga on a full stomach, you might feel uncomfortable practicing on an empty stomach. Having something to nibble on after class is also a good idea.
Tip: If you’re unsure what you need to bring to your yoga class, check with your local studio to find out what they provide and what they recommend bringing.
One Simple Thing to Help You Decide What to Wear
Really, there’s only one thing you need to consider when deciding what to wear to a yoga class.
Comfort.
What are you going to feel the most comfortable in?
You’ll want to think about what will allow you free movement during your practice and what you feel comfortable wearing around other people.
Make sure that your yoga clothes fit you properly and that you’ve removed any itchy or uncomfortable labels that might interfere with your practice.
The Takeaway
When deciding what to wear to your next yoga class, you’ll want to consider:
- Whether or not you would like to wear yoga socks during your practice
- The clothes that you feel most comfortable in
- The clothes that allow you to stretch
- Clothes that don’t get in the way of your movement or ability to practice
And remember, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable.
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Yoga Pose Library
Yoga Pose Library
Welcome to our yoga pose library! Here you’ll find just about every pose organized by difficulty level, type, anatomy, or browse the complete list of poses below.
Simply click on a pose to learn everything you need to know, including how to perform the pose step-by-step (with video), its benefits, beginner tips, and more!
Poses by Level
 100vw, 600px” /><figcaption>Beginner Yoga Poses</figcaption></figure>
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 100vw, 600px” /><figcaption>Intermediate Yoga Poses</figcaption></figure>
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Poses by Type
 100vw, 600px” /><figcaption>Balancing Yoga Poses</figcaption></figure>
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 100vw, 600px” /><figcaption>Core Yoga Poses</figcaption></figure>
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 100vw, 600px” /><figcaption>Forward Bend Yoga Poses</figcaption></figure>
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More Poses by Type
Poses by Anatomy
 100vw, 600px” /><figcaption>Yoga Poses for the Ankles</figcaption></figure>
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 100vw, 600px” /><figcaption>Yoga Poses for the Arms</figcaption></figure>
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 100vw, 600px” /><figcaption>Yoga Poses for the Back</figcaption></figure>
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 100vw, 600px” /><figcaption>Yoga Poses for the Core</figcaption></figure>
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 100vw, 600px” /><figcaption>Yoga Poses for the Glutes</figcaption></figure>
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 100vw, 600px” /><figcaption>Yoga Poses for the Hamstrings</figcaption></figure>
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More Poses by Anatomy
Browse All Yoga Poses
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The True Meaning of Namaste (Plus, When to Say and Not Say It)
The True Meaning of Namaste (Plus, When to Say and Not Say It)
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By now, most people have heard of the word namaste, but only a few know the true meaning behind it.
In fact, while many people might assume that namaste is a yogic term, its origins are much deeper.
Etymology of Namaste
The word namaste comes from Sanskrit. It’s a combination of namas (“I bow”) and te (“you”), which literally translates to I bow to you. If the first particle sounds familiar, that’s because it is also featured in the word namaskar (e.g., Surya Namaskar), which means “greeting” or “salute.”
In terms of pronunciation, the word namaste is broken down into three syllables: nah-mas-tay, with emphasis on the first syllable.
What is Namaste?
Traditionally, namaste is a non-contact way of greeting someone, expressing gratitude, or showing one’s respect. Namaste is usually accompanied by Anjali mudra, with the palms pressed together at the center of the chest, close to one’s heart. To reflect on its literal meaning, the verbal greeting is performed with a respectful bowing of the head in the direction of the person you are speaking to.
The Meaning of Namaste
On the surface, the literal meaning of the phrase is pretty self-explanatory. But is there more to namaste than meets the eye?
While namaste has Hindu origins, many cultures across the world use bowing as a social gesture. In its most prominent form (bowing one’s head all the way to the ground), bowing is usually performed as a sign of worship in several major religions.
In many European countries circa the 17-19th century, bowing was a formal greeting performed by men, specifically among the upper class. However, servants would also bow to express their respect and obedience to their employers.
While European countries moved on from bowing and curtseys to handshakes and kisses, many Asian countries still practice bowing as a primary way of greeting someone and expressing their respect. In some countries, namely Indonesia, bowing may look like a simple nod. In other countries, the degree of bowing (i.e., how low you bow) correlates with the significance of the occasion and the amount of respect you show to the other person. These countries include China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Nepal, and of course, India, which is where the namaste practice originated.
As well as being used as a greeting and a sign of respect, namaste can signify gratitude and appreciation for the person (or people) present.
Namaste in Yoga
In the context of yoga, namaste is usually spoken at the beginning or at the end of the class. When it is said at the start, namaste is a way to greet each other. A teacher saying it to a student (or students) can also use namaste as a way to convey that the students are welcome and accepted.
At the end of the class, namaste has a different connotation. It’s an expression of appreciation and gratitude. It is customary for the teacher to thank the students for sharing their practice and opening their mind to the wonders of yoga. The students tend to echo the sentiment with their own namaste to express gratitude to the teacher for guiding them and to fellow students for sharing their space and energy.
Cultural Controversy
Some people may argue that the use of namaste in the Western context is insensitive or inappropriate. This point of view has a certain amount of merit. After all, the yogic discipline has had a major shift since its introduction to the West.
The main issue with the improper use of namaste is the lack of knowledge or intention behind it. It is only fair that before adopting such a significant term into your vocabulary, you should understand the true meaning behind it. Namaste should be spoken with sincerity and gravitas to honor its origins, as well as its cultural and spiritual significance.
The rise of yoga in the West resulted in namaste becoming one of the best-known Sanskrit terms, especially associated with yoga. Unfortunately, it also meant that once it entered people’s vernacular, it was often used without any regard to the ancient Hindu and yogic practices and ideas.
Arguably, the worst part was that it prompted people to capitalize on this part of the culture without acknowledging its meaning. This is a textbook example of cultural appropriation, which is ultimately damaging to the century-long traditions that are no longer taken seriously.
When NOT to Say Namaste
- Don’t say it if you do not feel aligned with its energy or its message. There are other ways you can greet people or express your respect genuinely and authentically.
- Don’t say it to people who do not understand its historical or cultural significance. For instance, if you are traveling through India, and someone greets you with a namaste, it may be appropriate to say it in return. On the other hand, you would not use it colloquially as a simple “hello” in your day-to-day life.
- If you are a yoga teacher, take some time to explain the meaning of namaste to your students before you say it to them. This way, they can understand and appreciate the significance of the occasion, as opposed to thinking namaste is a Sanskrit way of saying goodbye.
- Read the room. Namaste is a religious term with roots in Hinduism faith, and using it without merit would be extremely disrespectful, even more so when you do not belong to the Hindu religion yourself. Make sure to always consider the context and the environment if you choose to use namaste as a greeting or a show of respect.
- Don’t say it if someone with a cultural or religious connection to this term asks you not to. Aristotle once said, “The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.” Set your ego aside and respect their wishes. Trust that a person with lived experience can better articulate when using namaste is appropriate (or inappropriate).
Alternatives to Namaste
If you don’t feel comfortable using Sanskrit words in your spoken language, or you made a conscious choice not to use namaste in your practice, there are other ways to express the sentiment behind it, along with the Anjali mudra and a respectful bow. Here are a few alternatives to namaste you can say instead:
- I am happy to be here in your presence.
- I feel honored to practice yoga with you.
- I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know you.
- It is my pleasure and privilege to guide you (as a yoga teacher).
- I appreciate your energy.
- I have the utmost respect for your efforts, determination, and perseverance.
- I feel aligned with your mind and spirit.
2 thoughts on “The True Meaning of Namaste (Plus, When to Say and Not Say It)”
Would it be appropriate to use “namaste” like “amen” at the end of a prayer when the prayer is addressed to the higher powers of the universe?
To say, “I bow to you”, at the end of a prayer addressing higher powers of the universe would be appropriate. So, I feel that saying “namaste” would also be appropriate.
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