Yoga Mat - How to Choose One

By: Bertil Hjert

A yoga mat is useful for both beginners and experienced. It is the best accessory one can have when it comes to practicing yoga. There are several reasons for it.

A yoga mat works towards providing the best of grip to you when you require to perform certain complicated steps. Second, exercises that need to be done while lying down require good support. It provides you full back support and does not let you slip. It even absorbs a good amount of sweat that you tend to expel from your body when performing yoga.

A yoga mat is a must-have for those who are serious about pursuing yoga. Once you have decided to purchase a yoga mat, it is very important to learn certain things that would allow you opt for the best.

A) Here are certain steps to guide you on choosing the best yoga mat in order to facilitate you perform all the 'asanas' without any difficulty:

a) Avoid the cheapest

The most common mistakes people tend to make when purchasing a yoga mat is that they go for the cheapest. It is a blunder. Yoga supplies are not very expensive when you compare with expensive modern exercising machines. Don't ever go for standard plastic yoga mats.

These are very thin and do not provide the type of cushioning that you require for performing yoga. It will smell of chemicals and not let you breathe pure. These mats are made of phthalates. Leaving this mat inside a car is also harmful as it tends to expel harmful chemicals when hot. Additionally, plastic yoga mat is not environment friendly.

b) Jute mats

Cork or Jute yoga mats are environment friendly. However, these end to absorb sweat when you start practicing yoga. This result in a bad smell that may distract you while practicing. Additionally, these tend to get weak over a period of time.

c) Rubber yoga mats

This can be a real money saver and environment friendly yoga mat. It is available widely across the globe. However, if you are allergic to latex or rubber, you need to go for another option.

d) Pilate mats

These are also an excellent source for performing yoga. These are thicker and provide you the kind of grip that you require. It will prove beneficial in saving your hips, elbows, shoulders and spin from certain contact injuries.

B) When choosing a yoga mat you need to consider the crucial points provided below:

a) Carefully consider whether the yoga mat you are purchasing can hold up to repeated washings.

b) The yoga mat you purchase should lay flat on the floor.

c) An ideal yoga mat should be able to shake off lint and dust easily.

d) Make sure that the yoga mat prevents your feet from slipping.

e) The grip should be maintained in the same even when you sweat.

f) The yoga mat should be light weight and ideal for carrying around.

g) Cork for the durability

h) The length and width of yoga mat should suit you ideally.

i) Personal comfort level is the most important thing. You need to test whether you are feeling comfortable when lying or practicing on a yoga mat.

Keep the points mentioned above in mind and you will be able to purchase the best of yoga mat available across the globe.

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