How Often Should You Replace Your Yoga Mat?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Now that we’re working out at home, our yoga mat is getting more use than ever before. Not only do we use it for yoga, but it also comes in handy for bodyweight workouts like crunches, push-ups, and planks. So, since it’s being used more often, how often should we be replacing our yoga mat?

This depends on how often you’re using it and what exercises you’re doing on it. Depending on the frequency of your workouts, your yoga mat should last six to 12 months before you need to replace it.

If you’re using it for light stretching every few weeks, it will last longer and if you’re using it for high-intensity workouts, expect to replace it every six to eight months. If you’re not sure when the right time to replace your mat is, you’ll start to notice signs of wear and tear and issues with the firmness of the mat.

When you don’t replace your mat frequently enough, it’s not only gross, but it can also be dangerous. The mat can get slippery, it won’t cushion you as well, and it can get bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

In addition to replacing your yoga mat, make sure you clean it frequently. Wipe it down with sanitizing spray before and after your workout. Also, air it out by hanging it outside on a sunny day to kill pathogens and further sanitize it even more. Finally, make sure you clean both sides as well!