Getting the Right Yoga Mat
Not too long ago buying a yoga mat was very simple, now I consistently get asked what kind of yoga mat should I buy? The mats were made from PVC - poly vinyl chloride and you need only pick from 2 or maybe 3 colors on the shelf.
Well how times have changed.
Now yoga mats come in every size for every body shape and length, every thickness, every material and every color.
You can even get unique mats made for you with a picture of your choice on them.
That is how many options there are! So to help you wade through the mass of information out there I am going to cover a few really important points about buying a mat.
Thickness - Standard thickness is 1/8 of an inch.
Extra thick would be about ¼ inch.
And then there are the less popular thicknesses like 1/16 of an inch for travel and above ¼ inch, which is often found more in Pilates and therapy type mats.
The less thick the more stability you have, but the less protection you have.
If you have sensitive joints you can go with a thicker mat so start out with.
Or you can just double up two regular mats to start out.
Material - My favorite topic.
Most mats are PVC cause it is cheap and easy.
But if you are sensitive to the environment then go with a hybrid plastic like PRE or TPE or even a recycled rubber, which is all natural.
Another option all together is cotton.
Cotton yoga mats have been used for a really long time outside of our culture and offer all the protection and traction needed as any plastic or rubber mat would.
They, and rubber mats are also more environmentally sensitive.
Traction - The stickiest mats are made from open cell rubber.
Other mats have texture on them for design and grip.
Keeping your mat clean and free of oils will help you to keep good traction on plastic, rubber and cotton mats.
Cost - This is individual for everyone, but you often get what you pay for.
If your mat is thicker or longer it may be above average price.
The same goes for if your mat is made from natural vs.
unnatural materials.
The top end mats come in around $100 but could last a decade or more.
The low end mats are as low as $10 but are also likely to fall apart and to not work well.
Well how times have changed.
Now yoga mats come in every size for every body shape and length, every thickness, every material and every color.
You can even get unique mats made for you with a picture of your choice on them.
That is how many options there are! So to help you wade through the mass of information out there I am going to cover a few really important points about buying a mat.
Thickness - Standard thickness is 1/8 of an inch.
Extra thick would be about ¼ inch.
And then there are the less popular thicknesses like 1/16 of an inch for travel and above ¼ inch, which is often found more in Pilates and therapy type mats.
The less thick the more stability you have, but the less protection you have.
If you have sensitive joints you can go with a thicker mat so start out with.
Or you can just double up two regular mats to start out.
Material - My favorite topic.
Most mats are PVC cause it is cheap and easy.
But if you are sensitive to the environment then go with a hybrid plastic like PRE or TPE or even a recycled rubber, which is all natural.
Another option all together is cotton.
Cotton yoga mats have been used for a really long time outside of our culture and offer all the protection and traction needed as any plastic or rubber mat would.
They, and rubber mats are also more environmentally sensitive.
Traction - The stickiest mats are made from open cell rubber.
Other mats have texture on them for design and grip.
Keeping your mat clean and free of oils will help you to keep good traction on plastic, rubber and cotton mats.
Cost - This is individual for everyone, but you often get what you pay for.
If your mat is thicker or longer it may be above average price.
The same goes for if your mat is made from natural vs.
unnatural materials.
The top end mats come in around $100 but could last a decade or more.
The low end mats are as low as $10 but are also likely to fall apart and to not work well.
Source...