Mat Yoga – The way to find a perfect yoga mat

May 22, 2023 0 Comments

Times are changing and yoga is becoming very popular in the West. People are becoming more health conscious, trying to save themselves from misery by participating in various “green” and “organic” trends and activities. While most of these trends are a fad (supplements, pills, powders, juices, etc.), yoga is a proven science, thousands of years old, with an established lineage of schools and experienced teachers. Many people are starting yoga because it’s safe, effective, and doesn’t require any significant effort, unlike Pilates or more intensive programs. Yoga works on both the body and the mind, and its subtle effects are felt immediately.

Before you get actively involved in your yoga practice, consider investing in a good mat – the only required yoga accessory that could make a significant difference to your progress. A good mat will provide additional support, stability and comfort and will make practicing very enjoyable. Conversely, a less than adequate mat could turn your class into a nightmare. Read on to find out how to find the perfect mat – a yoga practitioner’s best friend.

The following factors will play the most important roles in determining your needs:

your skill level Beginners are advised not to invest in their own yoga mats. Lots of people give up after just a few classes and eventually throw out their mats. A good mat could easily cost up to $100 but will biodegrade quickly due to its natural materials, a cheaper PVC mat will take many years to decompose. Think about how many people give up yoga and throw away their mats each year. That’s not good mat yoga.

If you’re just starting out, use a mat provided by your studio – they’re clean, decent, and thick enough for everyone. Once you’ve practiced for a while and start to feel the effects, it may be time to consider purchasing your own mat.

your budget Rug prices range from $10 to $100 depending on the quality of the material. Natural rubber floor mats are typically more expensive, but offer greater durability, cushioning, and comfort. Cheaper, PVC and PER (less environmentally harmful than PVC) yoga mats sometimes have similar features but cost much less. In general, the more advanced and dedicated you are, the more you should spend on your mat, as the investment will pay off in the future. The value for money with yoga mats is almost direct.

Once you’re sure you’ve determined your skill level and budget, it’s time to choose your mat – yoga will never be the same again (just kidding).

Consider the following characteristics of a good yoga mat and choose the one that best suits your needs:

material The best mats are made from biodegradable natural rubber (latex) or advanced polymers that are also friendly to the environment. I suggest natural rubber, if you don’t mind its smell, if you do, consider jute, earth friendly polymers, or a mix of both. PVC mats are usually the cheapest, but offer pretty good stability, grip, and grip (more on that later). If you’re shopping for a PVC mat, it shouldn’t cost you more than $20, unless you’re paying more for looks.

Size Mats vary in length (60-75″) and width (20-24″), with larger mats often more comfortable. Keep in mind that larger mats are heavier and bulkier, and much more difficult to carry to class. Mat yoga is all about balance, so the best idea is to have a large mat to practice at home, a thin, light mat (or towel) for traveling, and a regular mat (and bag) to take to class. .

Thickness Beginning students generally prepare thicker mats (around ¼”). Practicing on a thicker mat is easier at first, but once you get on, too much depth can become distracting. Thickness is more of a personal preference than a requirement.Most generic PVC studio mats measure between 1/8″ and ¼”.

Stickiness 99% of yoga mats don’t grip when too wet. Keep this in mind and don’t complain when you start to slip and slide during your hot yoga practice, get a special yoga towel and cover your mat with it. Premium mats handle moisture better, but they’re not perfect. Test the grip of your mat when it is dry. Ideally, a good mat should not be excessively sticky, as this will not help during position changes. Natural materials, such as rubber and jute, tend to have a better grip, although cheaper PVC mats can work just as well.

If you want a quick answer The general rule of thumb is that the more you spend on your mat, the better it will be and the longer it will last.

Browse the top-rated mats and you’ll probably be as satisfied as hundreds of other users.

Check my website for some good suggestions.

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