A Guide To Choosing The Best Yoga Mat |
Posted: December 12, 2018 |
When it comes to choosing a yoga mat, there's so much more to consider than just the color and thickness of the mat. There are so many different types that come in a variety of materials, sizes, textures, thicknesses etc. that it can feel frustrating to find the right one. We will cover all the different aspects of yoga mats, so you can find one that suits you. Material The first thing that needs to be considered is the material. Even though it may not seem like it, yoga mats come in a variety of different materials. Some of these include foam, PVC, cotton, rubber, jute etc. Most entry level yoga mats are made from polyvinyl chloride or PVC. This type of material offers a reasonable amount of durability and comfort but unfortunately, it is not environmentally friendly. A better type of mat that is more environmentally friendly would be one made from foam. However, the only issue with these is that they contain latex which may be a problem if you're allergic. Rubber is an alternative in yoga mat material but like those made from foam, they also contain latex. Cotton can be used if you have a latex allergy and don't want to use PVC. The cotton is excellent at absorbing sweat and will provide a great deal of grip. The final option is jute yoga mats and it is like those mats made from cotton, except it is rougher and doesn't absorb as much moisture. Thickness Next, we will look at the thicknesses of different yoga mats. Most mats come in three different thicknesses such as .25-inch, .125 inch and .0625 inches. You will need to choose a yoga mat that is the right thickness for you. If you choose one that is too thin, then it may be too hard on your knees and joints. However, if it is too thick, you may find it difficult to balance on and maintain specific poses. The thickest yoga mat is usually .25 inches, and these are usually higher end mats that offer a great deal of support and cushion. However, you may find it challenging to roll up and place in a bag for easy transport. The .0625-inch mats are the thinnest and they are also the most portable. The .125-inch mats are an in between that offer enough support and cushion while being light and easy to carry around. Stickiness A third factor you will need to consider is the stickiness of the mat which refers to how much your skin sticks to it. Typically speaking PVC and foam mats are usually the stickiest while cotton and jute are the least sticky. Lastly, there are other factors to consider such as the size, texture, sustainability, price and type of mat according to the type of yoga you're doing. Price may be an important factor if you're working with a budget and are a beginner. Thankfully, there are literally hundreds of different yoga mats to choose from, so you will surely be able to find the perfect one that meets all your needs.
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