Yoga is the most beautiful and healthiest form of workout. It soothes and rejuvenates your mind, body, and soul. The most essential thing to practice yoga is a yoga mat. There are numerous yoga mats in the market in different materials and various sizes. Choosing the right one to meet all your needs is quite a task. Here is a complete guide to buying the right yoga mat. Read through to know more.
1. Know your body type – Your body types do play a major role in choosing the right yoga mat. If you are slim and petite, you can consider padded yoga mat which is about ¼ inch thick. This will offer you required cushioning to make your workouts more comfortable. On the other hand, if you are on the healthier side you can probably opt for a yoga mat which is about 1/8 inch thick.
A standard yoga mat is mostly 68 inches long. For people who are around 5.6 inches, this standard yoga mat will be a great choice. However, if you are on the taller side, then you must consider super stretched yoga mat.
2. Consider the yoga intensity – It is also important to keep in mind the kind of yoga poses you practice. If you are a newbie to yoga, it is best advised to invest in cheaper yoga mats. This way you wouldn’t be at a loss even if you think yoga is not your cup of tea. Conversely, if you start loving yoga and decide to practice the complex poses then you can think of investing in expensive and durable yoga mats.
3. Pick a mat depending on the place you practice – If you love to practice yoga at home all by yourself, then a basic yoga mat is all you need. If you are a frequent traveler who never compromises on yoga sessions, then a lightweight yoga mat is an ideal choice. This will make it easier for you to carry everywhere you go without adding much on to your luggage.
4. Decide the best type of material – There are numerous materials of yoga mat available in the market. Be aware of these different types to choose the right one for your needs.
- PVC Mats – These materials are most commonly used in cheap yoga mats. These mats are made of Polyvinyl Chloride which is known to be carcinogenic. It is best advised to avoid using it as it does more harm than good to you and the environment.
- Rubber Mats – This is the most economical and the best-recommended yoga mat ever. It is made of natural rubber and is easily affordable. These are available both online and offline and it has no side effects too.
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- Padded Mats – These are the most comfortable and soft of all other yoga mats. Padded mats are filled with foam and covered with cloth. They offer more support but lesser grip. The covering cloth can be easily washed but the foam cannot be washed.
- Cotton Mats – Cotton mats are the most natural mats available in the market. They are good sweat absorbers and are easily washable. They offer good grip and super soft to use.
5. Think about the surface of mat and storage options – Make it a point to always look for a non-slip yoga mat. These mats offer a good grip when you are doing strenuous forms of yoga poses. It is also good to invest in lightweight mats which are easy to fold or roll and store. These lightweight ones are also easy to carry even while you travel.
6. Do not compromise on quality – The cheap materials may be inexpensive and easy on pockets. But there are high chances of it getting worn out after just a few weeks. So it is always better to invest in durable materials irrespective of the price factor.
