Now And Zen Yoga

This is a silent film from 1938 showing the great yoga master, Krishnamacharya (1888-1989), demonstrating asana and pranyama. He was the teacher of BKS Iyengar and Sri K. Pattahbi Jois, and father of T.K.V. Desikachar. 

You buy your yoga mat, use it and get it broken it so it feels just right.  Then you notice (dare I say) a funky smell.  Yes folks, your yoga mat needs a bath.  When we practice on them daily and eventually our beloved mats need a little TLC. 

I recommend using a mild soap (Woolite works great) and toss the mat into the tub with warm water.  Lather up the mat, rinse all of the soap off, and hang the mat up to dry.  It takes a little time, but it is worth it to have a clean yoga mat.  If you practice daily - a monthly wash is a good rule of thumb.

For times when you simply don’t have time for a full wash, you can make your own mat spray with a small spray bottle of water and tea tree oil. 

And if you are going for a little luxurious treat, try Jo-Sha Wipes.  They come in lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus and tangerine scents and you can give your yoga mat a quick wipe down with them anytime.