Manduka mat slippage - will it ever end?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Upon research, I decided to buy a Manduka mat as my first ever mat. It seems very nice, and the teacher from my class - as well as the “head” of the yoga studio - both use the Manduka.

I’m not an overly sweaty person, but my palms and feet get slippery. Downward-facing dog and Warrior 2 are very difficult for me, as I really begin to slip out in both of these poses. Manduka says that slipping initially is normal, and that the best way to mitigate it is through a normal “breaking in process.” There’s a catch-22 there, as I need the mat not to slip to be able to use it, but I need to use it to make the mat not slip.

I’m wondering if purchasing a hemp mat to place over the Manduka might be the way to go. Or at the least, how much more effort I should put into breaking this thing in before trying something else - most likely the hemp mat.

Thanks for any help!

#2

Well, how much effort have you put into breaking it in? You don’t mention how long you’ve been using it for. Additional things that can help to break it in:

-Leave it out in the sun all day
-Wipe down with vinegar
-wash with soap and water

I have a Manduka and I love it au natural, as long as I’m not sweating significantly, which I do during most of my asana practices. I still need a yoga towel to be totally firm in my poses. I use their large eQua towel which covers the whole mat. In the past I have used two hand towels, one at each end of the mat for my hands and feet.

#3

This is going to be Day 8 of a good 45 minute routine. I’ve taken it outside and scrubbed with dish soap and water and a medium-bristle brush, I’ve tried dilute Purple Power and the medium-bristle brush. I bought the Mat Restore and Mat Renew and they just came in, so I might give those a try after class tonight. We’ve got sunshine today so I think I’ll go put the mat outside for a bit.

I do like that eQua towel. Perhaps I’ll get that instead of the hemp mat. I’d save a little money and it wouldn’t be coming from overseas.

Thanks for the help BlueLotus.

#4

Ah yes, I would probably give it at least a month of regular use to be considered the “breaking in” period.

Just remember with the yoga towel…if your hands and feet are dry, you will slip. It only works if you are actually sweating. I usually don’t unfold my towel until I’ve begun to break a sweat. :cool:

#5

Awesome!! Thanks again for the big help - I just ran outside and put the mat out in the sunshine. Made me realize I probably ought to go soak up some rays too.

#6

So I went ahead and bought an Manduka eQua towel. Even with just a little tiny amount of sweat, there’s not a bit of slippage. And the towel doesn’t bunch up either. This is what I was hoping for in the mat. It’s a shame I had to pay an addition $36, but I feel completely safe and at ease when I practice now.

#7

Thanks for the update! Glad it’s working well for you.

#8

I’ve had mine since April '09 and it’s still slippery even after using at least 3 - 5 times a week. I finally called Manduka customer service. The woman I spoke with recommended using a sea salt scrub which I tried, and it helped quite a bit.

#9

I tried sea salt, among a multitude of other things. I guess if I use the mat until it gets slippery then throw the towel over it like BlueLotus says, eventually it will become usable. The towel’s great though, and pretty luxurious feeling.

#10

Did you try rubbing it down with vodka?
It’s very effective and evaporates without odor.

#11

[QUOTE=InnerAthlete;51559]Did you try rubbing it down with vodka?
It’s very effective and evaporates without odor.[/QUOTE]

Gordon,
are you being serious? I’m sorry, I can’t tell.

and what’s the sea salt method? just rub it with sea salt and then rinse it off after with water I assume?

#12

I’m sure he is. Vodka should provide a good cut against the oil. I’ve got a few Manduka products specifically made for the mat, and have used them. But the towel’s really just been great.

The method I used with sea salt was to wet the mat down, sprinkle sea salt over the top, and then take a scouring brush and try to rub the salt into the mat. Then I just rinsed it.

#13

thanks AthMJ for the response…

#14

I used to be frustrated with slippery mats, until I found a really nice sticky mat; it made the practice much easier unfortunately it was like a magnet for dust and floor grime. Then I was offered a good tip from someone; imagine yourself practicing on ice; count on your core, balance and presents of mind to hold you in place more than the matt.

#15

I was going to say to give it some time. My mat was a little bit slippery when I first bought it but now (about a month later) its just perfect! I would even go as far as calling it a little sticky. I love my manduka mat!