Fifteen years ago, the only type of yoga mat available was a purple or blue PVC model that was known for its stickiness. Today, there are yoga mats to fit every need and preference.
When choosing a yoga mat, you should consider factors such as fluffiness and comfort, the right design and colour, portability and stability, and environmental friendliness. The composition, surface texture, and thickness of the mat all play a role in its performance in these areas. Using the information in this article, you may pick a yoga mat that fits your practice, priorities, lifestyle, beliefs, and budget. It is the perfect yoga mat for you, irrespective of what others might claim it to be!
1. Stickiness & Texture: If you’re looking for a good yoga mat that will prevent you from slipping, you’ll want to find one that has a good grip. A yoga towel topper can also be helpful if you’re doing hot yoga, as it will absorb sweat and help keep the mat clean. PVC mats are durable and sticky, but they’re not very eco-friendly.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendlier option, try a robust, natural rubber mat. These mats can provide the same level of grip and be far more durable and long-lasting. Some yoga mats have various textures that can give you a firm hold for your asanas. Depending on your yoga type, you may require some stickiness and texture.
2. Eco-Friendly Choice: Yoga mats arrive in intense materials, which are eco-friendly. Natural rubber, jute, cork, organic cotton, hemp, or wool are common yoga mat materials. Some can be recycled once manufactured because they’re made of recyclable materials. Non-toxic, durable, and longer-lasting eco-friendly mats should also be sustainable.
Natural materials, such as cotton and cork, may naturally absorb perspiration. Although they require more frequent cleaning, they are usually better for the environment and your body. Note the hues, designs, or prints that pique your interest. Check to see if the style you select inspires you and your practice.
You want to spend money on something other than pricey equipment while you’re just starting, and your demands should be satisfied by a decent basic sticky mat in a typical size.
3. Material: Why it matters: The composition of your yoga mat determines its texture, stickiness, environmental friendliness, sponginess (how much it responds under pressure), and how it will age over time.
Vinyl, sometimes called PVC, is used most frequently in yoga mats. More modern, ecologically friendly substitutes include natural and recycled rubber, cotton, and organic or natural cotton.
If you are allergic to latex, avoid using natural rubber yoga mats. If you prefer to continue with the tried-and-true sticky mat, pick a yoga mat made of PVC, which can withstand your usage and abuse for more than ten years. Although the amount of “give” in a yoga mat can vary greatly depending on the material blend, PVC has the greatest “give,” and jute and cotton have the lowest.
4. Price Range: A basic 1/8-inch thick, plain, and colour-coordinated PVC adhesive yoga mat will often be around the lower end of the pricing range. Then you might spend more for interesting textures, particularly raised tactile patterns, premium thickness, antimicrobial treatments, patterns with patterns, designs, or logos. Environmentally friendly yoga mats are typically more expensive.
5. Size: Typically, a yoga mat is 24″ x 68″ in size. Although the length can occasionally change, some yoga mats can be as long as 84″, and the breadth will nearly always remain at 24″. When lying down in a downward-facing posture, you want to get yoga mats that are large enough for your full body.
6. Style: Only one consideration remains after you’ve eliminated all your options based on thickness, fabric, smoothness, stickiness, eco-friendliness, and price: style! Therefore, choose your preferred shade, design, or pattern. Considering that downward dog involves a lot of it. Thanks for visiting!
Conclusion
Use up all your options! Read the testimonials while looking at yoga mats online to learn more about the mat. Inquire a few folks at your subsequent yoga session about their mats, where they purchased them, and how much they paid for them. Ask your instructor about their preferred mat, as most yoga instructors have one.