Choosing the right yoga mat depends on factors such as thickness, adherence, material, and ease of washing. PVC and natural rubber mats are durable and have high adhesion, while cotton and grass fiber mats wear out quickly. Mats should be easy to clean and large enough for all positions.
The best yoga mat for you will be comfortable, functional, and within your budget. There are many types of yoga mats, made from synthetic and natural materials. There is also a wide range of decorative mats, but yoga demands different characteristics of the mat. Different styles of yoga also require different features, so it’s important to consider your yoga style before making a purchase. The thickness, adherence, size, type of material and ease of washing are the characteristics that should guide your choice.
Typically, a yoga mat is 0.125 inches (3.17 mm) thick. Travel mats are even thinner, as small as 0.0625 inches (1.58mm) thick. Although thinner mats are usually lighter and easier to pack, they don’t provide the comfort of thicker mats. If you find that you often feel uncomfortable during your yoga routine, due to excessive pressure on your elbows, knees, or hips, you may need a thicker mat. However, it should not exceed 0.25 inches (6.35mm) as thicker mats may affect the connection to the floor or cause instability when holding positions.
After deciding on the thickness of your mat, consider the amount of stickiness you need for your style of yoga. Adhesion is the grip of the material. It prevents you from slipping while holding positions, but it also restricts the ease and fluidity of movement. Aerobic intensive workouts often require more adherence than other types of yoga, but a mat with less adherence is better suited for traditional meditative yoga. The adherence of a yoga mat depends on the material from which it is made.
The classic yoga mat is usually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is man-made. Other materials used for yoga mats are natural rubber, cotton, jute, a grass fiber, and cork. Natural rubber and PVC mats have a high level of adhesion and durability, and do not absorb moisture. Cotton and grass fiber mats do not have much stickiness, which can make it difficult to achieve certain positions. Compared to PVC and natural rubber, cotton and grass fiber mats wear out very quickly and need to be replaced frequently.
Often the stickiness of a mat and its tendency to absorb moisture are inversely related. High-tack mats often repel moisture, which is often a desirable trait, as moisture often creates a bad odor when trapped in the fibers of the material. Since mats will regularly shrink with the moisture from your workout, make sure your mat is easy to clean. Look for machine-washable fiber mats or PVC and natural rubber mats that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Avoid rugs that require dry cleaning, as this is expensive and causes excessive wear and tear on your rug.
Regardless of the thickness, stickiness, and material you choose for your yoga mat, you’ll find that a variety of styles and sizes are available at reasonable prices. Choose a rug that is large enough for each type of position, even lying down. If you are exceptionally tall, you may need to cut a custom mat to get the correct length. Mats come in almost every color imaginable, and many have attractive patterns or fabrics. A more decorative yoga mat, or one made of special material, may cost more than other yoga mats.
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