Lockdown restrictions are finally lifting but the psychological scars of the pandemic will last for years to come. So, with the reopening of yoga studios, gyms and group exercise in sight, the best thing we can do for our mental and physical health is to go back to them. Whilst the vaccine roll out is steaming ahead, and many of us are eager to work out, hygiene is paramount whilst COVID-19 remains in the community.

Yoga Hygiene

Exercising in the comfort of your own space is obviously the safest and most hygienic option. It’s lucky that yoga is easy to do at home with little equipment. It’s not as practical to have a home gym nor as much fun doing a zoom Zumba class though. Also, group exercise of any form offers many social and psychological benefits, as well as being fantastically motivating. 

The simple truth is that sharing mats allows germs to be passed on, especially Plantar Warts, Athlete’s Foot, Cold and Flu as well as COVID-19. If you have done so, or are planning on returning to the studio or any group exercise class for that matter, stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19 by bringing your own mat. Other must-haves for your gym bag are hand sanitiser, antibacterial wipes, hand or head towel and of course your own bottle of water. 

All yoga studios or gyms should take the risk of COVID-19 seriously and do everything possible to mitigate risk. If in doubt, ask them about their protocols. Good indicators include:

•       A spacious studio
•       Pre-booked classes only
•       Hand sanitiser on arrival
•       Fewer people in class
•       Attendees to bring their own mat
•       Social distancing in operation
•       Staggered arrival between classes
•       Sanitising procedures after each class
•       Doors or windows open for ventilation
•       Hand sanitizers and antibacterial wipes in the toilet
•       Health and safety training for staff

The UK’s vaccination program has been nothing short of epic. As it stands at the time of writing, 74.6 million doses of the vaccine have been given. That said, we all still have a personal responsibility in reducing transmission. If you have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have been a close contact of someone who has tested positive, do the right thing and stay away from your class. 

Yogi Bare Teddy Mats

If you’re wondering what yoga mat to get, we’ve got the answer. Created by a trailblazing, eco-friendly, and practical yogi, the Teddy Mat is the ultimate, portable high-performance non-slip yoga mat. It's ideal for using outdoors, on holiday or bringing to a group class. Even better, this foldable travel mat is extremely versatile. Use it for traditional yoga, hot yoga, the gym, calisthenics, stretching, Pilates, or any other exercise class. At 1.5kg, it’s so lightweight and folds up into a small square making it really easy to transport.

Let’s talk some more about the superb grip this mat gives. The velvet microfiber surface becomes grippy under sweat and moisture, whilst the natural sustainable rubber base grips to the floor, preventing bunching up. The Teddy Mat also supports the impact on ankles, wrists and knees and prevents slipping and sliding, the cause of many injuries. Don’t mind us if we say they look pretty funky too. Attractively designed, you can choose from Tropical, Cosmic or Nevada.

How to Clean Your Yoga Mat

Yoga mats that are used outdoors, in a hot room, a sweaty gym or at different venues tend to pick up grime, sweat and germs. Luckily, it’s so easy to keep your Teddy Mat clean. Put it on a quick wash in the washing machine at 30/40 degrees with a small amount of detergent. After that, hang it up to dry and store out of direct sunlight. Job done!

Yoga Carry Straps

A carry strap is a great way to transport your yoga mat from home to studio with-out hassle. Give your mat a hug with a Yogi Bare Carrying Strap. These are beautifully designed, stylish and of course, functional. Simply wrap around both ends of your rolled yoga mat, creating a shoulder strap.

The incredible strength of these straps is all down to the fact that these are crafted from vegan leather and durable, strong nylon webbing. Fully adjustable, they snugly fit any yoga mat at the length and height you find most comfortable. Keep your removable strap clean with a quick wipe down.