Whether you're a rookie or an experienced yoga enthusiast, you may have already noticed the many types of yoga mats in the market. One might think that they all have similar characteristics (with the only variation being the colours) and, therefore, have no effect on your performance during the exercises. However, the difference between mats goes beyond aesthetics, as every detail of their construction has a specific purpose that'll make or break the deal for you, depending on what you're looking for.
If you're not sure how to choose a mat, you've come to the right place. Here are some tips to help choose the right yoga mat for you.
1. Identify the type of yoga you want to practice
There are various types of yoga; some are more physically demanding while others are more focused on meditation. Depending on the type of yoga, your mat will need to meet certain requirements. For fast and agile movements like in Vinyasa, you'll need a lot of grip and not as much thickness so that you can keep your balance. If the type of yoga you practice is more meditation- or relaxation-oriented, you'll need a more comfortable mat, so, thick is the way to go.
2. Check the size of the mat
The standard size for yoga mats is usually 1.72 m long and 60.9 m wide. If you're taller, it's important that you choose a mat that fits your size so that you have more ease of movement during your sessions. In terms of thickness, these can range from 3 mm to 12 mm. The thinner the mat, the easier it'll be to carry around, but also the closer it'll be to the floor. Thicker mats, like the ones offered by BalanceFrom, are more comfortable and perfect for meditation.
3. Assess the material carefully
The material of the mat will define the texture, the grip, and the ecological impact of your purchase. Most mats are made of PVC. This type of material is very polluting and, in the long run, it can also be harmful to your health, since it releases toxic components. We recommend that you opt for more environmentally-friendly materials like natural rubber. JadeYoga or Lululemon offer natural rubber mats.
4. Choose a mat that's easy to clean
Your mat will be in constant contact with the floor and your body, which means it's constantly collecting dirt and sweat. For this reason, you should choose a mat that's easy to clean and care for, something that does not degrade when in contact with water. For example, the Warrior Mat from Alo Yoga is easy to clean due to its texture.
5. Popular yoga mat brands
- Alo Yoga
- JadeYoga
- Lululemon
- Gaiam
- Manduka
- Liforme
- BalanceFrom
As you may have noticed, each yoga mat has a feature that makes it unique, and choosing the right one can be confusing. The important thing is that you know your body, know how to listen to it, and understand your movements so as to assess what you need.
Choosing the right mat will not only make you feel better during your workouts, but it'll also protect your joints and can prevent injuries or accidents. If you still have questions related to anything yoga, don't hesitate to contact us. Ohmayoga's experienced and Rishikesh-certified gurus will help answer all your questions so that you can continue practising yoga without any problems.
