Yoga is very popular in India and the incidences of practicing frequently would be much higher than what you might find elsewhere. It does not matter if you are a complete beginner or a seasoned practitioner, it is important for you to choose the best yoga mats that suits your specific needs.
What Exactly is a Yoga Mat?
A yoga mat is a mat used as a floor covering during yoga practice in order to prevent hands and feet from slipping. They are also used to protect the yogi’s knees and elbows when sitting or lying on the ground. Yoga mats come in a variety of colors, thicknesses, and materials. The most popular yoga mats are made of PVC, EVA foam, or rubber.
PVC yoga mats
PVC yoga mats are the cheapest and most common type of yoga mat. They are made of polyvinyl chloride, which is a plastic. PVC is not eco-friendly and can be harmful to your health if it leaches into your body through your skin. However, PVC mats are lightweight, easy to clean, and slip-resistant.
EVA foam mats
These are made of ethylene-vinyl acetate, which is a type of plastic. EVA foam is more expensive than PVC but it is softer, thicker, and more comfortable to practice on. EVA foam is also eco-friendly and non-toxic.
Rubber mats
These are the most expensive type of yoga mat but they are also the most durable. Rubber mats are heavy and often longer lasting than other types of yoga mats. Rubber also has excellent grip even when sweaty, making it ideal for practices like Bikram or Ashtanga where you will be sweating a lot.
Best Yoga Mat for Beginners
If you are new to yoga, the Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat is a great place to start. This mat is made of PVC and is 6mm thick, which provides cushioning for your joints while still allowing you to feel a connection to the ground. The mat has a textured, non-slip surface that helps keep you stable in all kinds of yoga poses. It is also lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for taking to the gym or yoga studio.
Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
The Lotus Yoga Mat is made of natural rubber and comes in a variety of colors and designs. Rubber is a sustainable material that is also biodegradable, so you can feel good about using this mat knowing that it won’t harm the environment. The mat has excellent grip even when sweaty and provides cushioning for your joints. It is also thicker than most rubber mats at 6mm, making it more comfortable for longer yoga practices.
Types of Mats and What Mat is Best?
The type of yoga mat you choose should be based on your personal preferences and the type of yoga you practice. There are four main types of yoga mats:
- PVC or Vinyl Yoga Mats: These mats made from polyvinyl chloride, which is a lightweight and durable material. PVC mats are easy to clean and provide good grips for your hands and feet. However, they can be slippery if you sweat a lot during your practice.
- Rubber Yoga Mats: Rubber mats made from natural or synthetic rubber and offer excellent traction and cushioning. They are ideal for practices that involve a lot of movement or sweating. However, they can be heavy and difficult to transport.
- Jute Yoga Mats: Jute mats made from the fibers of the jute plant and offer a natural grip. They are also eco-friendly and biodegradable. However, they may not provide enough cushioning for some yoga practices.
- Cotton Yoga Mats: Cotton mats made from 100% natural cotton fibers and offer good cushioning and traction. They are absorbent, so they can be helpful if you tend to sweat during your practice. However, they may require more frequent washing than other types of yoga mats.
The best yoga mat for you is the one that meets your needs and preferences. There is no “perfect” mat, so it’s important to choose one that you feel comfortable using.
Look And Feel
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a yoga mat. You want to make sure the mat is comfortable for you and provides enough cushioning. The thickness of the mat is also important as it should be thick enough to protect your bones and joints but not so thick that it makes balancing poses more difficult. Another thing to consider is the material the mat made of. Most mats made of either natural rubber or PVC. Natural rubber mats are more expensive but are also more eco-friendly and biodegradable. PVC mats are cheaper but may contain harmful chemicals.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you can start narrowing down your options. There are a variety of colors, patterns, and designs available so you can choose one that fits your style. You can also find mats with different textures depending on how much grip you need. If you’re just starting out, a basic mat will suffice but if you’re looking for something more advance, there are mats specifically design for hot yoga or Bikram yoga that have extra grip and cushioning.
No matter what type of yoga mat you choose, make sure it’s comfortable for you and helps you feel supported during your practice.
Performance Level of Your Mat
When it comes to choosing a yoga mat, there are many factors to consider. But one of the most important factors is the performance level of your mat. After all, you want a mat that will provide a stable, non-slip surface for your practice.
So how do you know if a yoga mat is high-performing? Here are a few things to look for:
- Material: Look for a mat made from high-quality, durable materials like natural rubber or jute. These materials will provide a stable foundation for your practice and will last long with proper care.
- Thickness: A thicker yoga mat (around 6mm) will provide more cushioning and support than a thinner one (3mm or less). This is especially important if you have joint issues or are practicing on hard floors.
- Grip: A good yoga mat should have enough grip to keep you from slipping during your practice. But it shouldn’t be so sticky that it’s difficult to move on and off of the mat. Look for mats with textured surfaces or those made from grippy materials like natural rubber.
- Weight: A heavier yoga mat (3 pounds or more) will be more stable than a lighter one (2 pounds or less). However, it may be more difficult to carry around with you if you travel often for class or take home workouts seriously. Choose the weight that’s right for you and your lifestyle.
- Price: In general, you’ll get what you pay for with yoga mats. Higher-priced mats will usually made from higher-quality materials and will last longer. However, there are some great, high-performing mats available at lower price points. It’s all about finding the right mat for your needs and budget.
Yoga mats come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and price points. But not all yoga mats are create equal. When shopping for a yoga mat, look for one that’s made from high-quality materials, is the right thickness for your needs, and has enough grip to keep you stable during your practice.
How Often to Drain A Well Used Yoga Mat?
A well-use yoga mat should be drain at least once a week to prevent a build-up of sweat and bacteria. If your mat is starting to smell, it’s time to give it a good cleaning.
Conclusion
Choosing the best yoga mat for you can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to yoga. With so many options on the market, it’s important to consider your personal needs and preferences before making a purchase. We hope that our guide has helped you narrow down your choices and find the perfect yoga mat for your practice.
