Yoga Mat

Yoga mats are an essential part of every yoga practice. They provide a clean and slip-free surface to perform postures. A comfortable mat is important as it allows you to follow a range of positions and meditation poses.

Important Features of Yoga Mats

To be helpful in yoga practice, a good yoga mat should have a few basic elements. It should be large enough to perform a variety of postures. It should also have soft edges so extending beyond the mat is comfortable.

The yoga mat should have a sufficient grip allowing the yoga practitioner to safely assume the positions. A good mat will also strike a balance between soft and firm. It should be soft enough to be comfortable, but also have resistance.

Although yoga is sometimes perceived to be a low-impact activity, it is actually a good form of aerobic exercise. Because of this, it is important to choose a mat that has good sweat-absorbance. It can also be helpful to get a yoga mat that is machine washable.

Types of Yoga Mats

Sticky mats are common yoga mats that are thin and lightweight. They come in a variety of colors and many come with guide marks for proper hand and foot placement. Sticky mats get their name from being slightly tacky. This feature is helpful for those who do yoga on a slick floor surface, such as wood or vinyl. To get the mat sticky, the owner needs to sprinkle it with a small amount of water and let it air dry. The sticky mat is a popular choice but the main drawback is that it is not washable.

Travel yoga mats are convenient to carry on trips or to yoga classes. They are normally thin and meant to be used on a carpeted floor or on top of a blanket.

Cotton mats are a good choice because they absorb sweat and are washable. During yoga practice cotton mats keep the practice surface secure. They work best when they are slightly damp and provide excellent cushioning for a variety of postures and meditation poses.

People who are looking for the comfort of a cotton yoga mat and the slip-free surface of a sticky mat have another option. Many yoga practitioners use a sticky mat base with a cotton mat topper to get the best of both worlds.

Shopping for a Yoga Mat

There are many online resources for finding a yoga mat. You can find reviews of different types of mats. Before purchasing, you may want to tape off a section of floor in the dimensions of your potential mat. This way you can tell how big the mat will be and if it will serve your yoga practice purposes.

By Courtney Ramirez