- What does it serve for?
- Types
- Selection criteria
- The difference with a fitness mat
- Range
- Self-production
- Care
- Alternatives
For those who practice yoga, the rug is not just an accessory that provides comfort and safety in the performance of asanas. From a psychological point of view, it is a personal space and a faithful companion for every day. Even ancient ascetics used tiger skins for this purpose. Today, there is no need to kill animals for this – you just need to study the huge assortment that the modern market offers.
What does it serve for?
Some people believe that an individual yoga mat is not a necessary accessory. However, the gurus of Eastern meditative practices insist on its necessity. And here’s why:
- it is a contact flooring that absorbs not only sweat, but also human energy: using the ones provided by the yoga centers, you can pick up a lot of unnecessary dirty energy;
- this is an object of self-discipline and motivation for regular practice;
- this is your personal sign that will distinguish you in group lessons, on trips, and possibly even at seminars and festivals, if you continue practicing yoga professionally;
- alternative options (linens, bedspreads, etc.) do not have special parameters for comfortable practice and can lead to injuries in beginners when performing certain asanas.
Types
Yoga mats are widely represented on the market, differing from each other in materials, purpose, weight, size, and color. Based on these parameters, the following types can be distinguished.
By purpose
There are options for beginners and professionals. The latter are distinguished by increased strength, maximum grip, serious wear resistance, and considerable cost (from $ 50 to $ 140). They are most often made of rubber with interwoven jute fiber. 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. Differs in high cost and considerable weight. On the plus side – it does not slip. On the downside – it wears out over time, so if you practice regularly, you will have to change it regularly. Often chosen by professionals, and many models are marked PRO.
- Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
Light weight and sufficient softness. Suitable for leisurely activities. Examples of models are StarFit FM-201 ($ 30) and AYM-01 TPE ($ 27).
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
One of the most popular, as they are inexpensive and practically do not wear out. Examples of models are Eco PVC HKEM 113-06 ($ 10) and Original FitTools ($ 8).
- Cotton
Made from natural materials. To prevent cotton mats from slipping, they are often made with a rubberized base. Examples of models are Yogin ($ 30) and Shiva ($ 80).
- Cork
A layer of cork is often applied over a rubber mat. Such a coating has excellent absorbent properties, so that no amount of sweat will interfere with active practice. Examples of models are ART Yogamatic ($ 84) and Devi Yoga ($ 77).
- Jute
Jute fibers are a semi-synthetic material with good density. Models made of this material ensure reliable adhesion to the floor. One of the best in this niche is the Samurai Mat from Bodhi, costing about $ 100.
True yogis have a special attitude to the material of their rug. Most of those who have already been imbued with the spirit of Eastern practice are vegetarians and prefer to maintain purity not only of their inner world, but also of the world around them. Therefore, such characteristics as naturalness and environmental friendliness of models are of paramount importance to them.
Selection criteria
To choose the right yoga mat, you should pay attention to the following characteristics.
Size
The optimal length of the rug can be calculated using the following formula: add 10, or even 15, to the height of a person (in centimeters). Mats 60 cm wide and 183 cm long are the sales leaders. For dynamic activities, it is recommended to choose a length of 220 cm or more. The higher the parameters, the more space you will have at your disposal, however, this complicates its transportation.
Some stores offer a cutting service. Here, it will be cut exactly as much as you ask.
If you are not shy, you can do just two exercises on the rug right in the store, which will help you understand whether its size is right for you or not. The first is a split. The second is “downward facing dog”.
Weight
Mats weighing from 250 g to 6 kg are presented on the market. For trips, it is better to purchase lighter models. For home activities – heavier. For example, for a woman weighing 60 kg, 1500 g is the best option. Men can choose something more weighty.
Grip
Many yoga asanas require practitioners to hold themselves in very unstable positions. Beginners often fall, and here such an important characteristic as grip comes into play – the degree of adhesion of the mat’s surface to the body and floor. If it does not slip, it will not cause problems: it will not gather in folds and waves, moving along the smooth floor. It is comfortable to practice on it, and the risk of injury is minimal. Synthetic mats usually have this characteristic. However, manufacturers of natural materials have also found a way out: they make one of the sides rubberized. The only downside is that it wears out quickly.
When buying a rug, spread it out on the floor right in the store and try to move it. If it slides, give it up.
Hygroscopicity
During difficult asanas, a person sweats profusely. The surface becomes wet, which causes slipping. If the mat is made of a breathable material with a porous structure, it will perfectly absorb moisture and will not allow such an unpleasant incident to happen. Recommended surface – latex or cotton.
Elongation
A good quality rug should not be elastic and stretch in different directions. For this, many models are equipped with lavsan fibers. They create a strong inner frame.
Thickness
Thicker models are needed by beginners, since at first they will fall a lot, and the body is not yet ready for a hard floor surface. Therefore, the ideal option is 6-8 mm
