What to Look for When Getting a New Mat for Yoga

Thanks to its many benefits that enrich the body, mind, and soul, yoga is considered a fine physical art practiced by many around the world. The beauty of yoga lies in how it calms the mind, engages the senses, increases body awareness, and relieves stress. It also promotes self-healing and mindfulness. Whether you are a seasoned yoga master or a beginner, a yoga mat will be your best friend during those sessions. Since you will be spending a lot of time practicing, you should look for a mat that suits your body’s needs and supports your movements. Here is a list of what to consider when buying a new yoga mat.

Length

Choosing the right length is crucial here when it comes to yoga mats. You should measure how tall you are because you would not want to have your feet or your head out of proportion on the mat. It is better to always go for the longer mats and leave at least an extra three to five inches in order to have sufficient space while practicing various positions. You should take care not to buy mats that are too long as it can get awkward when you are in the studio, surrounded by other people. Determining length is also essential when you need to carry or fold it when you go to the gym or yoga studio.

Material

There are several types of materials used in making yoga mats. The most prominent ones on the market are vinyl, rubber, and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). According to the yoga experts at Yogangstar, each material differs in terms of functionality, durability, and thickness. For instance, rubber is a natural and biodegradable material, making it a good, eco-friendly candidate for a yoga mat. It provides a solid grip, which is why many people choose it. On the other hand, yoga mats made of vinyl and TPE are synthetic and non-biodegradable. However, they provide good traction and prevent slipping.

Thickness

The main purpose of a yoga mat is to protect your body from direct contact with the ground. Practicing yoga includes doing stretches from various angles. This may sometimes lead to slipping if done on plain, solid ground. This is why thickness is a vital aspect to consider. You would want the mat to be thick or thin according to the type of practice and the weight when carrying it. You should know that thinner mats can be harder on your joints, and thicker ones are not easy to balance on. So, you should try the mats out, compare, and choose the thickness you see fit.

Grip

With yoga mats, the stickier they are, the better practice will be. The surface of your yoga mat should be a priority when you procure one. You would not wish for your feet to slip, especially if you are doing a difficult pose. Getting the grippy, non-skid surface is the wise thing to do regardless of what type of yoga you will be practicing.

Weight

Most of the factors partake in an important aspect, which is the weight. It will be fruitless if you buy an expensive, heavy yoga mat that will never be used. You may want to practice yoga while you are on a picnic or a trip, so worrying about carrying a bulky mat is discouraging. You will likely miss yoga classes if you have a heavy mat that is too heavy to carry around. It is better to test the grip and weight by rolling and carrying the mat prior to getting it.

Appearance

Yoga mats come in various colors, prints, and textures. So, you will enjoy a wide variety of options. How a yoga mat looks is more important than you think, as it will reflect on your experience. You can choose plain colors if you are looking for serenity and simplicity. In case you need constant encouragement, you can get one with a mantra written on it. This way you can be reminded of how yoga rejuvenates your body. The most important thing is to let your inner yogi choose what color and style connect to you the most.

Yoga is both empowering and soothing. It allows you to build your physical strength while simultaneously calming your senses. To improve your experience, it’s best to use a yoga mat when practicing. Regardless of how experienced you are, you need to buy a yoga mat. There are several elements that this decision depends on, such as material, size, thickness, grip, and shape. It is always better to try a mat out before buying it to make sure it will meet your needs.