Whether you’re an experienced yoga practitioner or you’ve just embarked on your yoga journey, the first thing you equipped yourself with was probably your yoga mat.
Yoga mats are also known as exercise mats, and they can be used for other forms of exercise such as Pilates, lunges, crunches, sit-ups or push-ups. In short, any exercise that is done on the floor benefits greatly from the addition of a mat.
Is A Yoga Mat Really Necessary?
There are some yoga practitioners who prefer not to use any kind of mat or floor covering, but the large majority of people want and need them.
Looking at the plus and minus points of yoga practice with or without a mat, there is much to be said on both sides of the debate.
Mats provide cushioning for our joints and bones in the limbs and lower back. This helps to prevent pain and strain from impact. If you live in a cold or hot place, the mat is a buffer that prevents you from feeling the floor temperature.
The mat allows you to practice on any sort of even ground, both outdoors and indoors. In some places, the floor may not be as clean as you’d like it to be and you’d prefer a barrier between a dirty floor and yourself. Having your personal yoga mat ensures hygiene too.
Many asanas involve extensive floor work, such as being supine or seated. The mat is helpful when you practice abs work, pranayama and meditation too.
Some practitioners rue the fact that there are no clear guidelines for hand, head or foot placement on mats, but today, you can purchase mats that offer printed graphics for these positions.
5 Things To Look For In Yoga Mats
With a bewildering selection of mats available in the market, in sports stores, and online, it’s not easy to choose the right one for you. There are hundreds of colors, textures, sizes and materials available, and you also need to keep thickness and comfort in mind. Your yoga mat is an investment, so give it all the time and thought it needs.
To find out more and to read a guide on how to find the best yoga mat for your purposes see this article here:
https://restanddigest.com.au/blogs/yoga/a-guide-to-choosing-the-best-yoga-mat/
- Material: This is one of the most important things to consider when you select a yoga mat. In ancient times, yogis performed their practices on grass mats, lengths of cotton, animal skins or even on bare ground. Though these were certainly eco-friendly, they are not practical in today’s world. You will find mats made of PVC, rubber, microfibre towelling, combinations of materials such as polyurethane and soft rubber, cork, and even natural wood fiber materials. Your yoga instructor can help you to choose the right material, based on your level of experience, yoga style, convenience and location of practice. Choose a washable material that’s easy to clean, flexible and offers the right amount of cushioning.
- Thickness: Standard yoga mats are available in 1/8th inch thickness the world over. However, there are thicker 1/4th inch mats for better cushioning and comfort. Thicker mats tend to be more difficult to balance on because you don’t get a feel of the ground beneath your feet. Thinner mats work well with active practice of yoga such as Vinyasa. If you practice hot yoga, you will need mats made of absorbent material that can be washed easily. You can adjust the thickness of a thinner mat with cotton or microfibre towels if preferred. These will absorb sweat and keep the mat surface dry. If you travel a lot, it’s worth investing in a thinner, more flexible mat that’s easy to carry.
- Size: Regular mats are available in 68×24 inch dimensions. However, if you are taller or broader, it’s important to select one that fits your own unique size. Some practitioners prefer to have more space especially if they practice in a group. In such cases, choose an extra wide mat that will help you to practice without worrying about bumping into someone.
- Grip and Stability: Maintaining your balance is the foundation of yoga poses. Your mat should be made of material that offers maximum grip and stability to help you practice with confidence. Practicing on an unstable mat that slips or slides on the floor can be not just distracting but also a serious safety hazard. You can injure yourself badly if your mat slips and you lose balance. Your mat should have a bit of stickiness that allows you to place your hands and feet firmly on it so that you maintain your pose correctly. This gives you a feeling of security and you can focus on your practice instead of worrying about slipping or falling.
- Style and Price: You will find an amazing range of prices and styles of yoga mats that are available in stores and online. These aspects are largely a matter of personal choice. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cheapest isn’t always the best. The wrong mat can do significant harm if you slip or lose balance. Generally, yoga mats range from a mere $7 all the way up to $200 so you can choose the best one that fits your budget. Branded products come with a guarantee, and usually last longer. Mats are available with different designs and prints. You can match them to your yoga outfits.
**’The opinions expressed in the article are solely the author’s and don’t reflect the opinions or beliefs of the portal’**
