How long should you keep a yoga mat?

Yoga mats can last anywhere between 6 months to 2 years.

How Often Should You Replace Your Yoga Mat?

It is generally recommended that you replace your Yoga mat every 1 to 2 years. 

A good, premium-quality yoga mat should last you a minimum of 1 year. But this lifespan is completely dependent on the quality of the mat, frequency of usage, type of mat, type of practice, how well you clean and maintain it, etc.

PVC yoga mats are usually the most durable type and a top-quality one such as Burnlab’s can last you several years. Good-quality natural rubber yoga mats can also last for 1 to 2 years.

4 Signs to replace your Yoga mat

You know it’s time to replace your Yoga mat when it:

1. Becomes uneven

As you keep using your Yoga mat, you may notice that the corners of the mat where you place your hands and feet start getting worn out. This leads to your mat becoming uneven which can make it tough for you to hold your poses and even cause joint pain. A Yoga mat with such uneven padding is a sure sign that you need to replace it pronto.

2. Becomes slippery

If you’ve ever been in the middle of a tricky pose and find that

1. your hands and feet are slipping all over the place, or
2. you’re starting to grip your mat more firmly just to hold your pose

then it’s high time you replace your Yoga mat. Losing your balance and falling off due to a slippery Yoga mat is the last thing you want.

3. Starts tearing apart

Done with your Yoga practice and find bits of your mat on the floor? You definitely need a new Yoga mat! 

With frequent use, you might also notice ‘bald spots’ (parts of the mat where the surface texture is fully worn out). Once these spots appear it won’t be long before you’ll have full-blown holes on your mat. So do yourself a favor and replace your mat ASAP.

4. Stinks like crazy

If your Yoga mat stinks worse than a sweaty sock despite the frequent cleaning, replacing it is a no-brainer. Unless you want to do your pigeon poses on a bed of bacteria that is!

What Happens If You Don't Replace Your Yoga Mat?

Not replacing your Yoga mat could lead to issues such as:

1. Injuries and Joint Pain

Practicing Yoga on a slippery mat increases your chances of losing your balance, falling off, and hurting yourself. It’s especially dangerous for those who have mobility or balance issues.

If your mat is uneven and has lost its cushioning ability, it could put unnecessary strain on your wrists, knees, and ankles. This can lead to joint pain, aches, and other injuries.

2. Skin Conditions

Practicing Yoga on an unclean mat can lead to skin problems such as acne and other bacterial and fungal infections. This is because a sweaty Yoga mat is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other germs that accumulate over time.

Check out our collection of Yoga mats and other Yoga accessories right here.