If you are a yoga wannabe, you might think of practicing some yoga moves at home, but you got a carpeted floor, and yoga mats are somewhat expensive, so what to do now? Can you do yoga on the carpet?
Or do you have to buy those expensive yoga mats? Oh, wait! But which type of yoga mat is suitable?
These are some questions that people often get when thinking of beginning yoga on a carpeted floor.
So, let’s explore the pros and cons of practicing yoga on the carpet and also many other factors that you should keep in mind.
Does Yoga Mat Works On Carpet?
If you already have a yoga mat, then yes, you can definitely use a yoga mat on the carpet.
Using a yoga mat on the carpet will give you the perfect combination of comfort, grip, and experience identical to what you had in the yoga studio.
However, the material of your carpet and the yoga mat might not have a good relationship with each other.
They can create different problems. So, when practicing yoga on your carpet, make sure the yoga mat you are using is made of a firm material, has good traction, and has proper thickness.
Can You Do Yoga On the Carpet?
The simple and straightforward answer to this question will be Yes! definitely, you can.
Yoga poses are most often done on yoga mates or on sturdy hardwood floors.
However, Yoga mats are not necessary for a successful flow of yoga postures. In fact, an instability of different surfaces teaches the body to keep its balance by turning on different muscles.
The effectiveness of yoga also depends on the type of carpet you are practicing on, as a regular carpet might not provide you with the same level of comfort and warmth as a thick carpet will.
But everything has its pros and cons so does practicing yoga on the carpet.
Below are some pros and cons that will help you better to make the decision on whether to practice yoga on the carpet or not.
Pros
1. Economic
Doing yoga on a carpet is very cost-effective as yoga mats can be very expensive.
2. Comfort
Practicing yoga on the carpet is more comfortable due to the soft padding of the carpet.
It provides your body with more cushioning and reduces the pressure on your joints.
3. Traction
Carpets provide less traction than a yoga mat which will make your muscles work more, ultimately increasing your muscle strength.
4. Improving Balance
Doing yoga on a carpet can eventually improve your balancing skills as you are working on an uneven surface.
5. Release Stress
Carpets are soft, which helps you to release the tension when doing yoga on the carpet.
Cons
1. Unhygenic
Doing yoga on a carpet can be very unhygienic due to its property of absorbing sweat and bacteria. It can also lead to causing skin infections. So before doing yoga on the carpet, there are some dirty carpet facts that you must know.
2. Durability
Practicing yoga on the carpet daily can make it look worn down due to your body weight and movements at the same spot.
3. Friction Burns
When you are moving through a series of poses directly on the surface of the carpet, it can cause scratches, skin irritation, and friction burns.
4. Slippery
Most of the carpets are soft and gentle, which can make your hands and feet slip often and lead to injury.
5. Poses
Yoga has different poses, and if you are a handstand yogi, then keeping the balance on a carpet floor can be very challenging.
Is It Tough To Do Yoga On The Carpet?
The meaning of yoga differs from person to person. Some people define yoga as only meditating and doing a few gentle postures.
While for some, yoga means physically intense yoga practice, which involves lots of movements.
In the first case, doing yoga on the carpet comes with no challenges or difficulty.
However, if you are a person doing yoga involving more movements, then a carpet won’t provide you the comfort of a yoga mat.
It will be harder to find connection, grip, and balance on the carpet, and it can be very slippery.
How To Do Yoga Without A Mat On The Carpet?
Now that we know that doing yoga on a carpet without using a yoga mat is somewhat possible, let’s dive into understanding how.
1. You can use a towel or a thin blanket to prevent your hands and feet from slipping. Fold the towel or the blanket and place it on the surface of your carpet.
2. To reduce the impact on your joints, you can practice slow and soft movement yoga poses.
3. If you have recently cleaned your carpet either by a professional or by yourself, then you can simply practice yoga on the bare surface of the carpet.
4. If your carpet contains dirt and debris, then try postures that only require you to stand and balance your body.
How To Prevent Yoga Mat From Slipping On The Carpet?
Whether you are a beginner in yoga or a yoga veteran, slipping on a yoga mat can be discouraging and frustrating as well.
But what if we tell you that there is a way to fix your yoga mat from slipping? Here’s how:
Points To Remember While Doing Yoga On The Carpet
These are some points to keep in mind while practicing yoga on the carpet without a yoga mat:
- Some carpets have soft and smooth textures, which can be hazardous when practicing yoga without a yoga mat, as it will make your hands and feet slip in some poses.
- Secondly, carpets have the problem of absorbing everything, so if you exacerbate sweat, then it can be very unhygienic.
- Choose yoga practices that are suitable for carpet, such as child’s pose, cobra pose, or cat/ cow pose.
What Yoga Mat Material Can You Use On The Carpeted Floor?
The relationship between your carpet and the yoga mat you are using should be a healthy one, or else it will be uncomfortable for you.
The best yoga mat should fulfill these below-mentioned conditions.
1. Sturdy Material
Most yoga mats come with PVC material or vinyl, but this can cause frustration.
You can also go for more eco-friendly yoga mat options, which are made from jute, recycled rubber, or cork, and organic cotton or natural cotton.
A yoga mat made from rubber or cork is a better option it will provide you good grip and avoid slipping. However, if you are allergic to latex, then avoid buying ribber or cork mats. Rubber mats can also be used when you have to place a deep freezer on the carpet without damaging it.
2. Thickness
The thickness of a yoga mat is another element to consider when buying a yoga mat.
A thick yoga mat can make you wobbly in some yoga postures on the other hand, using too thin yoga mat might hurt your knees and make it uncomfortable.
A standard yoga mat is 1/8 inch thick, and the thickest mat is about 1/4 inch.
3. Traction
When using a yoga mat on the carpet, you should be careful of slipping. This makes it important to buy a yoga mat with a good texture.
The texture of a yoga mat dictates how much traction it will provide. So, based on texture, you must look for yoga mats that prevent slipping, like rubber or cork or use cotton mats with a raised tactile pattern.
The Yoga Platforms For Carpet Floor
Doing yoga on a carpeted floor is doable however, if you are having any difficulty doing it on the carpet or you are missing the feel of the yoga studio, then you must consider some of these yoga platforms for carpet floors:
1. DIY Hard Surface Yoga Platform
The very first thing, if you are having difficulty in doing yoga on a carpeted floor, is to make your own hard surface yoga platform.
Materials Required:
- Electric drill
- Measuring tape
- Sharpie
- 1 sheet particle board of 1/2 thickness
- 2 yoga mats (that you don’t mind cutting)
- Scissors or exacto knife
- 1 box of self-drilling screws
- 1 yoga mat to place on top
Step 1
Place the yoga mat on the board, leaving some extra space to cover the edges. In case the edges are difficult to fit, try using a hot gun or gorilla glue in addition to screwing the mat. But be careful when using the glue as it can be challenging to get gorilla glue out of the carpet.
Step 2
Cut the mats according to the shape of the board. Once you cut the mats, begin screwing them about 3 to 4 inches apart.
Step 3
Before screwing the other side, tightly pull the mat to avoid any ripples on it.
Step 4
Smooth out any wrinkles on the board.
Step 5
Your yoga platform is ready. You can place the 3rd yoga mat on it and test it out.
2. DIY Plywood Yoga Platform
Doing yoga is more than just doing heavy movements. Yoga is about mental peace in addition to providing flexibility to your body.
But when doing yoga at home, you need a proper surface to do it effectively. For this, plywood is versatile as it can also be used as a base for scales on the carpet and also as a yoga platform. Here are a few steps through which you can make your own plywood yoga platform.
Materials Required:
- A Finished Surface
- A Plywood Base Layer- 4×8 sheet of 1/4 with dimensions 30″ x 77 3/16″
- Sanding Block
- Silicone Sealant
- Weights
- Small Hammer
Step 1
Buy a bamboo plank from any store in the flooring department. You get the exact feel of a yoga studio you can buy the bamboo plank from Home Decoration Collection Horizontal Toast in the 5/8″.
Step 2
Find a 4 x 8 sheet of 1/4″ plywood of the dimension 30″ x 77 3/16″. Buy a sealant. If you find a sealant of 5.5 oz, then buy 2 tubes of it.
Also, get a sanding block, preferably a sanding sponge. A sanding sponge will be easy to handle and great for mild sanding.
Step 3
Start by sanding the edges of the plywood.
Step 4
Place the plywood on a flat, even surface. Put paper on the edges of the plywood, just in case the glue escapes.
Step 5
Place the pieces of bamboo- six across and then another six above the first six. Layout the pieces in such a way that they have consistent color and pattern.
Step 6
St the planks aside and begin assembling the plank on the bottom right board. Squeeze out a string of Silicone about 1/8 thick. Curve it around to secure the whole board to the plywood.
Step 7
Place 10 Lbs of weight on the plank to hold it in place and wait for an hour before proceeding. Next, glue the other five bottom planks moving from right to left, and lightly tap them using a small hammer.
Step 8
Once the 6 planks in the bottom are set, start fixing the planks on the top starting from the right and repeating the same process as for the bottom planks.
Suitable Poses To Do On A Carpet
Here are some convenient yoga poses you can do on the carpet without the fear of slipping.
1. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
- Start by kneeling and sitting on your knees.
- Kneal forward and keep your head on the floor.
- Stretch your hands forward, palm facing the floor.
- Slowly inhale and exhale for at least 8 breaths.
2. Cobra Pose (Bhujang asana)
- Start by lying on your stomach, toes pointing straight at the back.
- Place your hands in a straight line with your shoulders pressing down to the ground.
- Life your head and chest upwards while relaxing your shoulders.
3. Cat/Cow Pose
- Place your hands and knees on the surface.
- Inhale as you arch your back while lifting your head and tail upwards. This is known as the cow pose.
- Exhale as you round your spine while bringing your chin to your chest and your tailbone between your legs. This is called the cat pose.
4. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
- Plant one foot on the ground while placing the other foot on the inner thigh of the straight leg.
- Hold the hands above your head in a praying position and balance the pose for several breaths.
- Avoid placing too much pressure on the knee of the straight foot and adjust the foot placement to maintain balance.
5. Triangle Pose (Trikonna Asana)
- Start with spreading your legs to make a triangle.
- Place the right hand on your right foot and raise the other hand up straight.
- Lean your torso to the right. Hold the pose for a few breaths before returning to standing and repeating to the other side.
Conclusion
So, can you do yoga on the carpet?
Yes, you can, but there are a few essential things that you need to consider, like the type of your yoga mat and the carpet, the hygiene of your carpet, the types of postures you are doing, and many more.
So doing yoga on the carpet is possible but with proper consideration and attention.
FAQs
Which is the best floor to do yoga?
The best floor material is wood, cork, or bamboo.
What thickness of yoga mat is best?
A mat with a thickness between 5 to 8mm is the best and will help to protect your joints.
Can I use bedsheet instead of yoga mat?
Yes, if you don’t have a yoga mat, you can use a bedsheet or a cushion to ensure a comfortable session.
Fold the bedsheet to make it cushiony and soft. You can also use a towel or a bedsheet.
Daleyza knows a lot about carpets! She has worked with carpets for over 7 years and can help with things like putting them in, keeping them clean, and replacing them. She really likes carpets and spends most of her time learning about new ways to work with them. When she’s not learning about carpets, she enjoys reading books. She’s really good at helping people choose the right carpet for their homes and making sure they’re happy with it. If you want to know more about carpets, Daleyza is the person to talk to!