Mat Method – Right and Wrong?

Hi Pam

Thanks for posting!

You know, in general (in just about any other style of yoga) the mat is used to create a foundation for the pose. In fact, it would be unheard of for the student to do a warrior pose by stepping out across and over the mat without connecting it at all.

For many studios around the world the student faces the mirror and steps out across the mat for several of the poses. Some will say that it’s not pure Bikram yoga if you’re not on the carpet. I say, what difference does that make to the pose? We’re here to do yoga. There are some studios that are changing their approach (by towel placement or by turning during poses).

The reason I place the 2 mats as I have done in the photo, or sometimes I place a mat in the regular position with the towel across it, is if you are practicing at home, then you want to do EVERYTHING you can to keep your space clean and hygienic. This means having your mat(s) and towel configured to catch any sweat that drips from you.

This way you will have a sweet smelling home and not a sweat smelling home. And as an extension of that, your house will NOT be a breeding ground for microorganisms.

You have the choice of stepping out across the central mat on a mat or towel, OR you can turn to one side and perform your warrior poses along the length of the mat.

It just makes more sense to me, that if you’re going to face one wall only that you protect your space. If you’re slipping a lot, maybe try just starting your class with your towel in a T. Nothing wrong with that. The classic comeback by the teacher will be that you simply need to build inner thigh strength and you’ll be right. This may be true in some cases. But it really could be the carpet. 😉

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂