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While sweating is a normal bodily function, excessive sweating is a medical condition called hyperhidrosis, affecting 2-3% of people globally. During yoga, sweaty palms increase the likelihood of falls and slides and make practice uncomfortable. Luckily, excessive hand sweating should not hinder people from harnessing the numerous benefits of yoga. Below are tools and tactics for doing yoga with sweaty hands, making sessions blissful and impactful.
Yoga Mats
Yoga poses require balance, and hands play a vital role in attaining it. However, sweaty hands can compromise balance, and you slip off the mat too often, hampering the yoga experience. Investing in a good yoga mat gives a sturdy grip to prevent slipping, sliding, and injuries.
Numerous mats are designed for sweaty yogis and don’t slip on the floor during poses. The best yoga mats for sweaty hands are lightweight, durable, and non-slip for excellent grip and traction. While yoga mats don’t stop hyperhidrosis, they make sessions more pleasant and comfortable. Also, they improve confidence, enhance poses and transitions and reduce accidents.
Yoga Towels
With yoga towels, excessive hand sweating does not interfere with yoga practice. Simply place the towel on the yoga mat to increase grip and soak up sweat from hands and feet. A good yoga towel for sweaty hands should be super absorbent, no-slipping, and quick-dry.
The best thing about yoga towels is there are many choices depending on your needs and budget. Plus, washing a towel is easier and less strenuous than a yoga mat. Yoga towels are great alternatives for people who don’t have the budget for a sticker mat or love their current mat.
A hand-sized towel is ideal if you don’t need a full-sized towel. Use the towel to wipe off sweat on the face, hands, and feet between postures and flows. Purchase an absorbent microfiber towel for optimal outcomes, and wash it frequently to avoid bacteria accumulation.
Yoga Gloves
Yoga gloves are a must-have accessory for sweaty yogis and those engaging in hot yoga. Do not be tempted to wear winter mittens to contain sweat; they will make you hotter and sweatier and won’t prevent slipping.
Therefore, consider yoga-specific gloves, as they are made from fabric that absorbs sweat and offers extra traction on the mat. Some gloves allow people to do yoga without a mat or towel due to their all-grip and no-slip qualities.
Liquid Chalk
In yoga, a good grip is crucial, ensuring stability and safety. If your sweaty hands have slipped when doing a Downward Facing Dog Pose, you experience the essence of grip in yoga. Liquid chalk can do wonders to increase grip and ensure your hands stay in place amidst sweat.
While climbers historically used liquid chalk, it inhibits hand sweating to enhance grip, balance, and stability in yoga. Apply liquid chalk on your hands and feet before a workout session or when you start sweating to lessen sweating and maximize grip.
Yoga Headbands
Yoga headbands are not only stylish but also functional. A suitable headband keeps your hair intact and sweats off the face for a comfortable yoga session. You don’t have to use your already-sweaty hands to wipe the sweat on your face –and spread bacteria. A headband also ensures sweat does not get into the eyes, thus maintaining optimal safety. When buying a yoga headband, choose a relatively thick and sweat-absorbent one.
Antiperspirant Yoga Wipes
Antiperspirant wipes are great for yoga enthusiasts with mild hand sweating. Rub hands with the wipes before a yoga session for a sticky feeling that is less sweaty and provides additional grip on the mat. These wipes are readily available in stores and inexpensive to quell sweaty hands without a hefty price tag. The key is to remember to pack the wipes in your gym back every time you head out to practice.
In addition to antiperspirant wipes for sweaty hands, some brands sell wipes for yoga mats to maintain their sticky surface while offering aromatherapy to enhance yoga sessions. These wipes do not have alcohol or bleach and use natural ingredients to relax and invigorate. After yoga, you can also use wipes to clean your hands and feet.
Appropriate Yoga Environment
Apart from the accessories above, be wary of the type of yoga and environment. If your hands get too sweaty a few minutes into yoga or get too concerned with sweating that you lose focus on practice, refrain from heated yoga. While heated yoga provides a more intense workout in addition to the benefits of traditional yoga, working out in a hot and humid environment increases sweating tremendously. As a result, your hands drip more, interfering with the yoga session.
Keeping off hot yoga and practicing in a cool, well-ventilated environment reduces sweating. Additionally, do not forget to keep the yoga environment clean, orderly, and visually appealing. Practicing yoga outdoors with plenty of fresh air can also increase comfort and concentration and prevent anxiety-induced hand sweating.
Few things are more frustrating and annoying during yoga than slipping on sweaty palms when doing a crow pose. Sweaty palms decrease comfort and traction and can make someone self-conscious. Luckily, the accessories and tactics above increase grip, hygiene, comfort, and safety for a calming and enjoyable yoga experience.