There are many factors in choosing the perfect yoga mat for your practice: texture, stickiness, material and even color. And just because you've finally pick out a mat and brought it home doesn't mean all your questions will be answered. You may find yourself flipping your new yoga mat over and over, wondering which side goes on the floor and which side goes on your feet. The answer lies in your mat's design -- and in your personal preferences.
Bumpy Side Up
Yoga mat manufacturer Gaiam advise customers to lay their Premium Sticky Yoga Mat such that the textured side with the larger bumps is facing up. This textured surface of a sticky mat is designed to help prevent your hands and feet slipping.
Washing Your Mat
If you've just bought your mat, or if your mat has become slippery despite its intended stickiness and bumpy texture, you need to wash it. Donna Raskin, in an article for "Yoga Journal," suggests wetting the soiled surface with a spray bottle, damp sponge or terry cloth rag. Mix a solution of 2 cups water to 4 drops dish soap. In case of heavy soiling, submerge your mat in a tub of warm water and mild detergent. Always use as little soap as possible and rinse thoroughly, as leftover residue will combine with your perspiration to make your mat slippery.
Further Traction Troubleshooting
If your freshly washed mat continues to be too slippery, or if you perspire heavily enough to overcome your mat's traction, lay a clean, dry towel over the mat when you practice. The towel will absorb moisture and provide a less slippery surface.
Arguments Against Sticky Mats
Some practitioners argue that sticky mats, with their no-slip texture, are contrary to the purpose of yoga. A Health & Yoga article says that artificial no-stick textures rob your practice of its mental aspect, in which you exercise your mind to achieve the ideal balance of each asana.
Personal preference also plays a role. Even if you value a non-slip grip, the bumpy texture may aggravate or distract you during your practice. In this case you may prefer a sticky but smooth mat made of PVC, as Gaiam Life suggests. A smooth mat has the extra advantage that you needn't worry which side is the right side, since they both are.
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