Physiotherapist | 4 min read
How is Doing Yoga on Carpet With or Without a Yoga Mat Helpful?
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- Table of Content
Key Takeaways
- Doing yoga on carpet builds more muscle strength
- Practicing carpet yoga may, however, scratch your skin
- Choose the best yoga mat to use on carpet for asanas
While some consider it an exercise, others approach it as a holistic practice that heals body, mind and soul. Yoga enjoys relevance not only in India, but also across the globe [1]. Practicing yoga can be very relaxing and stress-relieving while helping you tone your muscles and build stamina [2]. The best part of doing yoga is that its poses do not require any fancy equipment. All you need in the name of yoga equipment<span data-contrast="auto"> is a good mat and you are good to go! However, doing yoga on carpet is also a common practice these days.
While there are many benefits to it, not many find it comfortable to hold yoga poses on a carpeted floor. This depends on the type of carpet used. If the carpet is on a thin pad with short fibers, it is considered more favorable as opposed to carpets with fluffy fibers on a thick pad. Here’s all you need to know about practicing yoga on carpet and some tips on finding the best yoga mat to use on carpets.
Additional read: 6 Effective Immunity Booster Yoga Poses Perfect For the Monsoons!
What Are the Pros of Doing Yoga on Carpet?
Practicing yoga on carpet has many benefits. One of the advantages is that using a carpet reduces pressure on your joints. This is because the padded carpet structure acts like a cushion for your body. It is also easier to practice yoga on a carpet because of less traction. As a result of doing yoga on carpet, your muscles work harder thereby helping you build more muscle strength.You also feel warmer while doing poses on a carpet rather than on a floor, especially during the cold season. Since the area is unlimited, there is more freedom to do the poses in a relaxed manner. However, carpet yoga is quite challenging and, in a way, helps in improving your overall body balance. Be it leg stretches or planks, carpeted floors make it easier for you. [1]
What Are the Cons of Practicing Yoga on a Carpet?
While there are many benefits of practicing yoga on carpets, there may be few disadvantages as well. There may be poses that require you to lie on the ground, and the presence of dust particles on carpets can affect your health when you inhale them. Continuous practice on the same spot may also result in the wear and tear of carpets.
If you are using a carpet regularly, maintaining it is essential because of the body sweat and oil which accumulates on it while doing yoga. Another concern is that balancing different yoga poses may be challenging on a carpet as there is no support under your hands or feet. This may also result in injuries. Doing different yoga poses frequently on a carpet may cause irritation and scratches on the skin too.
How to Choose the Best Yoga Mat for Carpeted Floors?
There are a few important things to note when you are planning to buy a good yoga mat for a carpeted floor. One of the most important factors you have to consider is the thickness of mat. If you opt for a thin mat, it helps you stay connected with the floor while doing yoga asanas. It also helps in balancing the poses with ease.
Buy a yoga mat that is made of a sturdy and dense material like cork or rubber. This doesn’t make it flimsy and holding your balance on such mats becomes a lot easier. It is better to avoid thin, flimsy PVC mats as these can bunch up on the carpet making it difficult for you to complete an asana.
The next factor to consider is traction. If there is no traction on your mat, there may be no grip and the mat may slide and move on the carpet. A yoga mat with a good grip does not slide, thus enabling you to complete your pose without any hassles.
Additional read: Importance of Yoga in Modern Life[embed]https://youtu.be/y224xdHotbU[/embed]
While practicing yoga on carpet, be vigilant and do not get distracted. With proper precautionary measures, doing yoga on a carpeted floor with or without a mat can help your practice. However, if you are injured while practicing yoga, book an online doctor consultation on Bajaj Finserv Health. This way, you can get customized advice from specialists within minutes and continue your wonderful journey with yoga!
- References
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/new-survey-reveals-the-rapid-rise-of-yoga-and-why-some-people-still-havent-tried-it-201603079179
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-benefits-of-yoga
- https://www.yogabasics.com/connect/yoga-on-carpet/
- Disclaimer
Please note that this article is solely meant for informational purposes and Bajaj Finserv Health Limited (“BFHL”) does not shoulder any responsibility of the views/advice/information expressed/given by the writer/reviewer/originator. This article should not be considered as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your trusted physician/qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your medical condition. The above article has been reviewed by a qualified doctor and BFHL is not responsible for any damages for any information or services provided by any third party.
