- Why is it needed?
- Types
- Selection criteria
- Differences from a fitness mat
- Assortment
- Hand Made
- Care instructions
- Alternatives
For those who practice yoga, a mat is not just an accessory that provides comfort and safety in performing asanas. From a psychological point of view, it is a personal space and a faithful companion for every day. Even ancient ascetics used a tiger skin for this purpose. Nowadays, there is no need to kill animals for this – it is enough to study the wide range of products on the modern market.
Why is it needed?
Some believe that personal mats for yoga are not a mandatory accessory at all. But the gurus of Eastern meditative practices insist on its necessity. And here’s why:
- it is a body mat that absorbs not only sweat, but also human energy: using those that are given out in yoga centers, you can absorb a lot of unnecessary and dirty things;
- it is a means of self-discipline and motivation for regular classes;
- it is your personal mark, which will distinguish you from others in group classes, on trips, and possibly even at seminars and festivals, if you continue to practice yoga professionally;
- alternative options (blankets, rugs, etc.) do not have special parameters for comfortable classes and can lead to injuries for beginners while performing some asanas.
Types
Yoga mats are widely represented on the market, differing from each other in material, purpose, weight, size, and colors. Depending on these parameters, there are the following types of them.
By appointment
There are for beginners and professionals. The latter are distinguished by their durability, maximum sticky surface, high wear resistance, and high price (from $50 to $140). Most often made of rubber with interwoven jute fibers. The most popular models are: Revolution ($90), Varuna Pro ($115), Yoga Club ($100), Planet Sadhana Lite ($90).
By material
- Latex
The material is environmentally friendly – natural rubber. They are distinguished by their high price and heavy weight. The good thing is that they do not slip. The downside is that they wear out over time, so with regular use they have to be changed regularly. Often chosen by professionals, and many models come with a PRO label.
- Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
They are lightweight and soft enough. Suitable for leisurely activities. Models: StarFit FM-201 ($30), AYM-01 TPE ($27).
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Some of the most popular, as they are inexpensive and practically do not wear out. Models: ECO PVC HKEM 113-06 ($10), Original FitTools ($8).
- Cotton
Made from natural material. To prevent cotton rugs from slipping, they are often rubberized on one side. Models: Yogin ($30), Shiva ($80).
- Cork
Often a cork layer is applied over a rubber rug. This coating has excellent absorbent properties, so no sweating will be a hindrance to active pursuits. Models: ART Yogamatic ($84), Devi Yoga ($77).
- Jute
Jute fibers are a semi-synthetic material with good density. Models made from it provide reliable adhesion to the floor. One of the best in this niche is Samurai Mat from Bodhi (Samurai), costs about $100.
A real yogi has a special relationship to the material of the rug. Those who have already been imbued with the spirit of Eastern practice are mostly vegetarians and prefer to keep clean not only their inner world, but also the environment. Therefore, the naturalness and environmental friendliness of models is of great importance to them.
Selection criteria
To choose the right yoga mat, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics.
Size
The optimal length of the rug is calculated using the following formula: add 10 or even 15 to the height of the person (taken in cm). The sales leaders are mats 60 cm wide and 183 cm long. For dynamic practices, it is recommended to choose a length more – 220 cm. The larger these parameters, the wider the useful space, however, this complicates transportation.
Some stores have cutting blades. That is, they will measure you exactly as much as you request.
If you are not shy, you can do just 2 exercises on the mat right in the store, which will help determine whether it is your size or not. The first is twine. The second is the “dog face down” pose.
Weight
On sale you can find rugs weighing from 250 g to 6 kg. For outdoor activities, purchase lighter models, for home activities – heavier ones. For example, the optimal option for a 60 kg girl is 1,500 g. Men can choose something heavier.
Viscosity
Many yoga asanas suggest a very unstable posture. Beginners often fall, and an important characteristic here is stickiness – the degree of adhesion of the mat surface to the body and floor. If it is non-slip, there will be no problems: it will not gather in folds and waves, sliding on the smooth floor. It is comfortable to practice on it, the risk of injury is minimized. Synthetic mats usually have such a characteristic. But natural manufacturers have also found a way out: they make one side of the
