End the Debate: Wiping Down Your Yoga Mat

 

Lately, it seems that yoga has been embraced by all types of people. Scientists have done so much research proving yoga's effectiveness that it is time to end the debate about whether or not yoga is worthwhile. Nowadays, most people have moved on to debating various ways to optimize and improve yogic practice. At some point or another, almost every group of yoga enthusiasts will discuss yoga mat etiquette. It is unfortunate that in this day and age, there are people out there who don't clean their yoga mats after use. When you are coming out of a blissful, relaxing yoga session, your mind may be far from earthly matters like wiping down your mat. One must remember that if yoga is important for your health and well-being, so is cleanliness. 

From an economic standpoint, cleaning your mat could extend the life of the item. This is particularly important if you have invested in a high-quality mat. If you let sweat on your mat build up, this could deteriorate the sticky texture that keeps you from slipping while you work out. If you give your mat a quick wipe-down after every session, you won't have to engage in any hard scrubbing down the road. If you are like many yoga enthusiasts, you love doing yoga in a group setting. People with high standards of cleanliness and hygiene are always welcome at their favorite local yoga studios. Obviously, cleanliness has positive implications for your health. Like any other taxing physical activity, yoga exposes your mat to a variety of fungi and bacteria. Though we are mentally hardwired to particularly despise the germs of others, your sweat really isn't any less filthy than anyone else's. If you're a firm believer in showering regularly, you've already got the right mindset for keeping your exercise equipment germ-free and clean. 

While it might cost you a couple of minutes per day to wipe down your mat, this time investment is a small price to pay for the tremendous benefits of your daily yoga habit. The benefits of yoga are broad-based and comprehensive. Physically, this practice can help you stay flexible and limber through all stages of life. If practiced properly, yoga is associated with feelings of mental and spiritual wellness. People who enjoy yoga classes experience all the benefits of consistent social engagement. Although regular yoga aids practitioners of all ages, yoga can prove particularly crucial for people over 45. During this phase of your life, it is only natural for your body to lose some of its natural flexibility. You may also find it harder to keep off extra weight. Yoga addresses both of these issues and prepares you to remain healthy as you age. 

You may have noticed that some people walk rigidly and awkwardly at age 60. In contrast, some 75-year-olds can move around with perfect gracefulness and agility. The people in the latter category are far less prone to suffer debilitating injuries. Despite what you may think, most of these people do not have superhuman genes or intensely athletic lifestyles. To remain strong and dexterous as you age, you simply need to perform moderate exercise regularly. If you're considering doing yoga but haven't made up your mind, end the debate and purchase a yoga mat today. It won't take long before working out and wiping down your area becomes an ingrained routine.