Hot yoga pushes both body and mind to new limits, with temperatures soaring up to 105°F, creating an intense environment that tests endurance, focus, and stability. The right mat can make all the difference in maintaining grip and balance as the heat rises. Bennd Yoga Mats provide a unique blend of function and mindfulness, making them an ideal choice for enhancing your hot yoga practice. Crafted from hand-loomed Ayurvedic-dyed cotton and infused with grounding herbs, these mats naturally absorb sweat, improving traction and keeping you connected to your practice even in the most challenging conditions.

Stay Grounded with Ayurvedic Herbs

Unlike synthetic mats, Bennd Yoga Mats are imbued with medicinal, grounding herbs that enhance your connection to the earth. These herbal ingredients—like Harda, which promotes clarity and focus—help anchor your practice, keeping you centered even as the heat intensifies. When the temperature rises, it's easy to become distracted by sweat and fatigue, but Bennd's unique material and herbal infusion support mental stability, allowing you to stay present in each pose.

Ditch the Yoga Towel: Why Bennd Mats Are a Better Alternative

Many hot yoga practitioners rely on yoga towels or Yogi Toes placed over their mats to absorb sweat and prevent slipping. However, this layering approach comes with several downsides:

🚫 Constant Adjustments – Towels shift and bunch up during practice, causing distractions and instability.

🚫 Extra Bulk – A towel adds an uneven layer between you and your mat, impacting balance and alignment.

🚫 Delayed Traction – Towels often need to be damp to work effectively, meaning you may still slip at the start of your practice.

With Bennd Yoga Mats, there's no need for extra layers. Made from hand-loomed cotton, our mats naturally absorb sweat and increase traction as you practice. The more you move and generate heat, the better your grip becomes—without needing to stop and adjust a towel mid-flow.

💡 PRO TIP: If you want extra grip at the start of your session, lightly spray your hands with water before beginning your practice to activate the mat's moisture-absorbing properties right away.

Mastering Grip: A Conscious Approach to Practice

When transitioning to a Bennd mat, you may notice that your hands and feet slip in certain poses. Instead of seeing this as a setback, consider it an opportunity to refine your technique and improve your overall practice!

Unlike conventional yoga mats that rely on anti-slip coatings or synthetic grip technology—essentially acting as a crutch—Bennd mats encourage you to develop true stability by engaging your muscles and refining your balance. With traditional mats, it's easy to become dependent on artificial grip, reducing the need for focus and core strength. Bennd mats, on the other hand, require greater awareness of how you distribute your weight, helping you build strength, control, and a deeper connection to your practice over time.

Bennd Tips for Enhancing Your Hot Yoga Practice

✅ Distribute Your Weight Mindfully – Pay close attention to how your body connects with the mat. Engaging your core and evenly balancing your weight helps prevent unnecessary slipping.

✅ Feel the Mat Beneath You – Be conscious of your grip and how your hands and feet interact with the fabric. This awareness improves stability and alignment.

✅ Slow Down and Find Control – Hot yoga isn't about rushing. Use the mat's natural texture to refine your balance and posture, especially in standing or balancing poses.

✅ Utilize Raised Hand Grip Lines – These subtle design elements support better hand placement, helping you maintain steadiness throughout your session.

Heat, Sweat, and Traction: How the Bennd Mat Works for You

One of the standout benefits of a Bennd Yoga Mat in a heated environment is its ability to improve traction as you move through your practice. Unlike traditional rubber or PVC mats that can become slick with sweat, Bennd's cotton fibers absorb moisture, naturally enhancing grip over time.

🔥 HINT: The more you sweat, the better your grip becomes! As your body generates heat, your connection to the mat strengthens, making it easier to flow seamlessly between postures.

By increasing awareness of your body's positioning and learning to work with your mat rather than against it, you'll experience improved alignment, reduced injury risk, and a deeper connection to your practice.

Caring for Your Bennd Mat After a Hot Yoga Session

After an intense hot yoga session, where sweat naturally absorbs into your mat, proper care is key to maintaining its longevity. Bennd mats are naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial, reducing the need for frequent washing. Simply air-dry your mat completely after each use by hanging it over a door or laying it flat in the shade—avoiding direct sunlight to preserve the plant-based dyes. 

For a deeper clean, washing once a month or every month and a half is sufficient. Use the provided soap nut powder, a gentle natural detergent, by lathering it in water, gently washing your mat, rinsing thoroughly, and air drying. Regular care keeps your mat fresh, ensuring a clean and supportive surface for every practice.

For more insights on how Bennd mats can elevate your yoga technique, check out this ASK BENND article and start embracing the full potential of your yoga journey today.