There are dozens of companies manufacturing Yoga-related products. One of the most popular products today is a yoga mat. A rectangular piece of rubber could cost you up to $100. Are you ready to invest that much into a yoga mat? you need to consider before deciding on whether to purchase something rugged, trash your yoga mat on a regular basis, or use a mat provided by your studio. We also consider the factors that are crucial when choosing the right yoga mat.
Your level
If you are a beginner, and simply want to get a feel for Yoga, we recommend using a mat provided by your studio. Most establishments supply their students with decent thick mats, which they care for and replace often. Majority of studio mats are much cleaner than your personal mat would be, simply because a public mat gets a lot more cleaning between classes. If you suspect hygienic issues with studio mats, you should look for another Yoga school.
Before you start looking for your mat, I suggest you see the highest rated yoga mats for beginners, these mats are definitely worth considering as they’ve been reviewed by many of people.
If you begin to practice frequently, you may be more comfortable with a personal yoga mat. There are many reasons to have one. Your yoga mat will absorb your energy, as you practice intensively, it will keep you relaxed and will eventually become your perfect meditation spot. Getting used to the same material, size, thickness, even smell would make your practice a lot more enjoyable.
A sticky, durable mat would also significantly improve your progress. High quality rubber mats often provide (too) much support and help in holding poses.
Advanced practitioners usually choose a mat based on personal preferences for durability and appearance. Having enough experience, they will pick a mat based on their professional judgment.
Size
Most yoga mats are about 24″ wide. The lengths vary. Most mats are between 60″ and 75″ in length.
Material
It is very important to make sure you are comfortable with material your mat is made of. The key factors to consider are:
Thickness – Pilates mats must be thicker, about 1/4″ as you will be spending most of your time on the floor. Yoga mats are thinner (about 1/8″), but not too thin. Many people prefer thicker Yoga mats to provide better support for weaker or injured parts. It feels easier to practice on a thicker mat.
Traction – A good mat will provide enough traction to support your poses, but it will not be so sticky you can’t peel it off the floor. Extremely sticky mats are usually cheap, and they provide too much traction when it is not needed. As with everything in Yoga, there must be a balance between grip and slip. Another important factor to consider is how well the mat holds when wet. Some cheaper mats turn into skating rinks when a little moisture is applied. This may not be apparent when you purchase the mat, but becomes a significant problem during practice. Natural rubber is usually the best material, though it is costly.
Composition – Cheaper mats are usually made of plastic and PVC. Some of these materials are toxic, smelly and may become slippery when wet. However, many studios still use classic PVC mats, as they are relatively cheap and provide adequate support and traction for most people. Better options are plastic elastomer mats, which are made from more environmentally friendly recyclable materials. The best mats are made from natural and organic latex (rubber). These mats usually provide ultimate support and durability, they don’t bunch up or curl, but may be quite heavy. Organic cotton and jute mats are good options, but they tend to shed quickly, and may feel very hard for some people.
Durability – How long will you mat last? Some cheaper, lightweight mats will not last a few months of extensive practice. Surprisingly, some very expensive jute and cotton mats will also break down and deteriorate, as their natural fibers wear off very fast.
Cost
A high quality latex mat will last longer and will prove to be a good investment over time. However, if you are just getting started – a regular PVC or TPE mat is often good enough. Some people prefer to throw away their mats after a while, as mats tend to accumulate moisture, dust and bacteria if not cared for on a regular basis.
If all of this seems overwhelming, you are welcome to take a look at the Best yoga mats of 2009 and pick the one you like. These mats are tried and tested not only by me but by many other practitioners.
About me:
My name is Konstantin, I am a yoga practitioner with years of experience. I hope this guide helps in your journey and makes your practice more comfortable. Remember – everything is already perfect, it’s just a matter of perception.
Peace and Love.
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