Instead Of A Yoga Mat

Yoga Mat Replacement Ideas – What To Use Instead?

Today, it is quite common for most people to go to a gym and join a yoga class. However, there are many people who find it more convenient to practice yoga from the comfort of their own homes. 

As a result, they may want to use the equipment for practising already available at their homes rather than buy a new yoga mat. 

Did you know that there are alternatives to using a yoga mat? However, It's not common for most people to not consider this. It is because your mind is used to visualizing people practising yoga on a yoga mat.

Nevertheless, there are other options to use in place of the yoga mat.

In this article, I will reveal a few different methods you can use instead of a Yoga mat, sometimes even some do-it-yourself ones. These would work better if you are a beginner or have an insufficient budget.

Yoga Mat Alternatives

Let’s take a look at some Yoga mat substitutes.

Alternative #1 – Yoga towel

This is probably the easiest to think about, as they are available in every household. Moreover, you can also use them as a prop for your yoga exercise.

What is a yoga towel for?
To avoid the hard flooring, you will need quite a plush towel that bounces, something that provides some relief or protection to joints. 

The downside to using towels for yoga is that they can be slippery. This makes them dangerous for people during their sessions.

Alternative #2 – Blanket

Yoga blanket is another great alternative to a yoga mat. This is because it’s light and portable while providing you with the needed traction for keeping your body steady while doing yoga exercises.

What is a yoga blanket for?
Some blankets are quite fluffy, while some others are more firm. The downside to using a blanket for yoga is that they tend to be more slippery than the towels. 

This is because the blankets will not provide you with enough support and slip out of your hands when practising certain yoga exercises, such as the downward dog.

Alternative #3 – Gloves and Socks

Gloves and socks are other alternatives you could consider instead of using Yoga mats. You can either purchase proper yoga socks and gloves or use your own. A ribbed or studded texture is best, for this enhances your grip, especially when wet.

Goves and socks are easy to clean since you can just wipe them down. Moreover, they are also soft and pliable, thereby making it easier to do certain yoga poses. 

It’s worth mentioning that your feet remain warm by wearing regular socks during your session, while the regular yoga socks will not hinder your movements at all.

Alternative #4 – Carpet

This solution might only be useful for people who want to do yoga in their homes. It’s one of the easiest alternatives for yoga mats.

Do I need to use a yoga mat on carpet?
If you already have carpet or a rug, then there's a possibility it will be perfect for your yoga practice. 

However, it is important to be aware of the type of yoga you are doing so that you can change the style of the carpet or rug depending on what type of yoga you are performing.

Carpets made of long pile (thick) material are best for floor poses, whereas carpets with low pile or rugs are better for standing postures.

If your carpet is not fixed to the floor, please remember that it may slide around the floor. A quick solution to this would be to simply slip a shower mat underneath the rug/carpet. This should fix it.

Alternative #5 – Wooden Flooring

Yoga practice on a wooden floor is always an option. Although it may not be the most convenient surface to practice on.

Correspondingly, this will help fend off sliding and provides a surface for standing and floor exercise routines.

The downside is that the hardwood floor will not be the most comfortable for any pose that requires you to put pressure on your hands or knees.

I, therefore, recommend using a padded mat, towel, or a blanket in combination with hardwood flooring.

Alternative #6 – Bathmats.

This is really if you have no budget at all. It’s a very economical way to practice yoga. You should pick one with a solid composition and place it on the hardwood floor with the suction cups facing downward.

As you flatten out the mat, it should be quite secure and provide a nice stable surface to perform on.

Final Thoughts

The main key to using these alternative yoga mats is sticking to your day with yoga when you don’t have your regular yoga mat. Of course, it comes down to one’s personal preference and the type of pose you are seeking.

I hope this article will help you better understand these alternative solutions and decide which one is best for your needs.

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