Travel yoga mats are lighter and thinner than standard mats, making them easier to pack in carry-on luggage. They come in various materials and can be used for yoga practice, but may not provide enough cushioning for Pilates. Carrying devices and protective bags can make it easier to transport mats, and yoga slings are a convenient option for thinner mats.
Many people who practice yoga regularly do not want to give up their practice when they travel. The standard yoga mat can create a problem for those who need to travel light and must fit all items in one piece of carry-on luggage. In general, yoga mats are fairly light, especially if they are made of foam, but they still may not be light or thin enough to pack easily. People can solve this problem by purchasing a travel yoga mat, which is generally lighter and thinner than standard mats.
Like standard mats, the travel yoga mat comes in a number of materials. Some are made from durable types of foam, and others are made from materials like very thin cotton. These mats typically weigh around one to two pounds (.45-91 kg) and fold up more compactly than standard mats. Most can easily fit into carry-on bags without creating too much bulk.
Sometimes people who don’t require a lot of cushioning use a travel yoga mat for their entire yoga practice. This is not ideal for everyone because these rugs are usually less than half an inch (1.27 cm) thick. The lack of adequate cushioning may not make these mats a good choice for other matwork programs, especially Pilates. The amount of matwork that takes place on the back can cause pain for those who work on hard surfaces with inadequate cushioning. Pilates mats are typically a bit thicker than yoga mats, and it may not be a good idea to get an extremely thin mat for significant Pilates work.
For those who require a little extra cushioning, it’s not always possible to pack a travel yoga mat or Pilates mat in a suitcase. There are a few ways to carry a slightly heavier rug. Many companies that sell mats also sell numerous carrying devices with them that can help fully protect the mat and have room to transport additional equipment. While this may mean checking a bag when you fly, the added hassle or potential expense of this may be worth it if it means having a comfortable exercise mat at travel destinations.
It is not always necessary to buy a yoga mat for travel, especially if you are traveling by car. Many yoga fanatics simply bring their favorite mat, and they do so by packing it in a protective bag. Another very easy transport device for yoga mats are yoga slings. These handles feature but only fit around the center of a rolled mat. They make it convenient for transporting yoga mats to and from classes, and the mats can be packed this way for travel. Yoga slings aren’t always practical for thicker Pilates mats, and some can cause deep grooves in heavier mats, ruining them.
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