Tricks to choosing the best yoga mat for your practice
If you are just getting started on your yoga journey, it’s crucial that you get the basics right – from your instructor to equipment, such as your yoga mat.
This will ensure that incorporating yoga into your life becomes fulfilling, and results in a more peaceful and happier mindset along with a healthy body.
There are different schools and forms of yoga, and you may have already done your own research and chosen the one that best aligns with your personal goals. See the Rest and Digest website for more information.
Five things you need to get started in yoga
Experienced practitioners recommend that you start with the following five things.
1) Clean and clutter free surroundings
A well-ventilated room, free of dust and mess, with a fair amount of natural light is ideal.
2) Appropriate apparel
Many people wear the same clothes for yoga that they would wear to a gym. However, this can make you feel uncomfortable, restricted and unable to breathe freely. It is best to choose loose-fitting attire made from natural fabrics such as cotton or jute.
3) The right instructors
With yoga becoming popular across the world, instructors are available in almost every neighborhood. However, it’s important to check their training, experience, background and the school of yoga they teach.
4) Proper mats and accessories
Your yoga mat is a must-have. Traditionally yoga was practiced on bare earth, grass or open forest areas. Today, when it has moved to the urban landscape, you need to use a yoga mat that offers grip, firmness and stability. It has to be soft enough to protect your joints yet strong enough to help you maintain your balance.
Some schools of yoga recommend the use of props and accessories such as bolsters, chairs, belts or ropes. If you’re starting out, make sure that you use these accessories under proper supervision.
5) Consistency
Practice at the same time and for the same duration every day, unless you are ill or suffering from an injury or pain.
The importance of yoga mats
According to the ancient practice of yoga, mats or floor coverings were not essential. However, as the art and science of yoga spread across the world, many of the traditional features were modified. Today it is hard to think of practicing yoga without a mat!
Some instructors don’t insist on students having a specific mat for yoga. They may suggest a thick towel, cotton bedspread or grass mat.
However, yoga mats are specifically designed to ensure stability and grip so that you don’t slip or lose balance. They offer good grasp for your hands and feet during complex poses, so that you can hold the pose for a longer time. Mats cushion your joints and prevent injuries.
Using a mat is more hygienic than practicing on a bare floor which may have dust, allergens, mud or bacteria.
How to choose the right yoga mat
In this digital shopping age, it seems a simple matter to purchase a yoga mat online. Some of you may read reviews or select the mat based on specific information given. Others may make their decision based on budget, eco-friendliness or even color and pattern.
Analyze
Before you purchase a yoga mat, take some time to reflect on your expectations and aspirations from yoga. At what level do you start? Which school of yoga do you follow? Where you will practice is important. If you plan to join a class, select a mat that is easy to transport. Is the mat easy to store and can you find a convenient and clean place to store it in?
Material
Browsing through your local sporting goods, health and fitness stores, or online will give you a fair idea of the range of materials available. Yoga mats are manufactured from PVC, natural fibers, rubber, polyester or a variety of other materials.
Experts recommend that you select mats that are made from natural materials rather than PVC. On the other hand, if you’re a beginner, a basic PVC mat can be a good choice, provided it doesn’t give off a chemical stink. If you are not allergic to latex, choose a rubber yoga mat. It offers grip and stability and is easy to clean.
Grip and stability
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these are two essential qualities that your yoga mat should have. They prevent injuries, help you to practice confidently and ensure that you hold your poses longer.
You can choose the level of cushioning according to your needs and the type of yoga that you practice. For instance, if you practice power yoga or complex poses, you will need a yoga mat that offers maximum grip and extra thickness.
Thickness
Most standard yoga mats are in the thickness range of around 8mm. These are suitable for beginners and if you practice active and focused poses. If you travel frequently, a thinner mat is more convenient to transport.
Thicker mats are suitable for those with joint aches and therapeutic types of yoga. However, a mat that is too thick can interfere with your stability. You can check with your yoga instructor and follow their advice.
Budget
This is an important consideration, no matter what your financial status or where you are in your yoga journey. The emphasis should be on quality and suitability, but the market is flooded with products that can range between $10 and $200. This makes choosing the right one a huge challenge.
Cheaper mats are less durable, and could cause instability or injury. Expensive ones may be simply over-priced, endorsed by celebrities, or currently trending on social media, with no guarantee of durability or quality. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice, but the thumb rule is to check with your yoga instructor, and stay within a reasonable budget that takes quality into consideration.
Size
Yoga mats are available in a standard size of 6×2 feet. However, if you’re taller or broader, you will need one that syncs with your body type.
Style
Yoga mats can be merely functional, or you can choose to make a style statement with color, texture or design. Some yoga mats have alignment guides that help you with correct hand and foot placement, while others are available in bright shades that can elevate your mood.
Absorption: As with any other form of intense physical activity, yoga is also a practice that generates perspiration. People differ in how much they sweat, but you need a mat that can absorb or wick away moisture from your body. Select mats with a more porous texture and this is where natural fibers work best.
Cleaning: Speaking of sweating, your yoga mat is exposed to sweat, dirt from floors, allergens and more. These can accumulate and become a breeding ground for fungi and other microorganisms. Dirt can quickly show up on light colored mats, especially in the areas that get pressed by your hands or feet. If you have a darker colored mat, you may not notice the stains immediately and this can be a health hazard. Choose a mat that is easy to wash at home. Ensure that it dries completely before using it. Many yoga practitioners have a spare mat that they can use when their regular one is being cleaned. Never use harsh detergents or strongly scented cleaners. Make sure that the cleaning agent is suitable for the mat material.
