The Yoga products market is booming with new additions. Without a doubt, the most popular product today is a mat. This simple accessory, made of PVC, rubber or something similar may end up costing close to a hundred dollars. Is anyone ready to spend so much money on just a mat? Is it worth it? This article will consider the important aspects of choosing the right mat, the key factors to look at. We will address the possibilities of having your own mat, something disposable or settling for one provided by your studio.
Your practice:
If you are a beginner, and simply want to get a feel for Yoga, we suggest using a mat provided by your studio. Most establishments supply their students with decent thick mats, which they care for and replace on a regular basis. Majority of studio mats are much cleaner than your personal mat would be, simply because a public mat gets a lot more cleaning between classes. If you suspect hygienic issues with studio mats, you should look for another Yoga school.
Becoming a regular practitioner will eventually awaken a desire to have your own mat. Rolling out the same mat day after day will make your practice more comfortable as you get used to the grip, thickness, smell, color and feel of your mat and become familiar with its limitation. On a more subtle level, your mat will gather your energies, becoming your companion during practice and meditation, making it much easier to stay focused. Keep in mind that a better mat will also provide better practice, enhancing many poses and adding to your confidence.
Once your practice advances to higher levels, you will no longer require any guides – you will know exactly what you need in mat, having tried many during the course of your advancement.
Choosing the size:
An average Yoga Mat is between 70 and 72 inches in length, some are 60″ and some are as long as 75″. The width varies up to 24″. Bigger mats are easier to practice on, but weigh a lot more. Moving during poses requires extra attention on shorter mats, as you may need to re-adjust to land on the mat instead of floor. If you are a beginner, try to choose a longer, wider mat to make your practice more enjoyable.
Material: It is very important to make sure you are comfortable with what your mat is made of.
* Thickness – Pilates mats must be thicker, about 1/4 as you will be spending most of your time on the floor. Yoga mats are thinner (about 1/8), but not too thin. Many people prefer thicker Yoga mats to provide better support for weaker or injured parts. It feels easier to practice on a thicker mat.
* Traction – Choosing between too much and too little, can be difficult. Use this rule of thumb – if it is difficult to peel your mat off the floor, if it attracts dust and dirt, if you can’t put in your bag – your mat is too sticky. On the other hand, if it become a skating rink with just a little bit of moisture, if you slip and slide and need a towel to hold your poses and think all mats are like that so you should stop complaining – your mat is not providing enough traction. There should be a balance between being too sticky and too slippy. Try to find yours.
* Composition – Cheaper mats are usually made of plastic and PVC. Some of these materials are toxic, smelly and may become skating rings when wet. However, many studios still use classic PVC mats, as they are relatively cheap and provide enough support and traction for most people. Better options are plastic elastomer mats, which are made from more environmentally friendly recyclable materials. The best mats are made from natural and organic latex (rubber). These mats usually provide ultimate support and durability, they don’t bunch up or curl, but may be quite heavy. Organic cotton and jute mats are good options, but they tend to shed quickly, and may feel very hard for some people.
* Durability – How long will you mat last? Some cheaper, lightweight mats will not last a few months of extensive practice. Surprisingly, some very expensive jute and cotton mats will also break down and deteriorate, as their natural fibers wear off very fast.
Cost
There are few options here – if you want a long-lasting, super-durable mat, you won’t find a cheap one. The more you pay the better it will hold the test of time. Some people may prefer disposable mat – find an inexpensive performer and replace it every few months. This option is quite viable and hygienic, but make sure your mats are biodegradable or can be disposed of properly.
Ken is an experienced Yoga practitioner with years of exeperience. To read his Yoga Mat Reviews check his site- http://yogamatreviews.net. Check out the Reviews of most popular Yoga Mats, the highest selling mats in a beginner, advanced and premimum categories.