Choosing the Perfect Yoga Mat

Choosing the Perfect Yoga Mat

Yoga mats are an essential part of the practice of yoga. Your mat will ensure that you are comfortable during even the most strenuous of poses. Even just 20 years ago, there were very few choices when it came to yoga mats. Today, mats have more varieties than most people could ever imagine. Yoga mats come in colors and patterns to suit any personality. Beyond the flashy colors, yoga mats have a variety of textures, thicknesses and materials that make choices difficult unless you are an expert.

The grip or stickiness of your yoga mat is what makes you stable on the floor. You do not want a mat that will slide around during your first Downward Facing Dog. The stickiness of your mat includes its texture and absorbency. A mat with a raised texture will stick to the floor better than other styles. Within the category of textures is the material that the mat is made from. Certain materials provide their own texture. PVC mats are generally softer than jute mats that are made from organic materials. A textured mat will stick to the floor without the suction of a sticky mat. This means that textured mats are easier to remove from the floor than sticky mats. Textured mats often last longer than sticky mats, but they do not provide quite as much stability as a sticky mat. All mats should allow for some sweat absorption. You do not want to perform your poses in a pool of sweat.

When looking at mat materials, the choices come down to eco-friendly materials and standard vinyl or PVC. Most of the newer mats are made from recycled rubber, biodegradable phthalate or woven jute. Part of the philosophy of yoga includes a spiritual connection to the earth. Using a mat made from recycled or biodegradable materials has become more popular in recent years. Mats made of cotton fiber are easy to clean and good for the environment. Many yoga masters require their students to purchase an eco-friendly mat.

Thickness is another factor to consider when buying a yoga mat. The thicker the mat, the more comfortable you will be in your poses. Thick mats tend to be a bit heavier than thin ones, so keep this in mind if you have to walk a distance from your car to the yoga studio. Thick mats might retain more liquid than a thin mat, so having mat wipes or a towel handy is also a good idea.

Choosing your perfect yoga mat might mean trying several styles. In the end, many choices come down to cost and durability. Yoga mats are generally made from materials that withstand the abuse of several years of use. A PVC mat in a solid color will be the least costly for someone with limited training. These mats start in the range of $10-20 and the prices range upward from there. A high quality yoga mat can cost hundreds of dollars.

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