The Importance of Finding The Right Yoga Mat For You

While there are many different kinds of yoga practices, from indoor to outdoor classes, sweaty to super slow, the one thing they all have in common is the use of the yoga mat. With the different practices and preferences in a mat, we each have specific requirements to make us feel more comfortable when practicing.

The good news is that in the last decade, yoga mats have become even more durable, fun and higher quality. There are, in fact, so many different types of yoga mats to choose from that it is really hard to know which one is best. Many in-depth reviews have been published.

A quality yoga mat is extremely important to help maintain your balance and enable you to have the correct posture. If you are in a yoga practice that makes you sweat, you want a yoga mat that is sticky enough that you don’t slip on the it. And, of course, it is important to have a mat with enough cushioning to protect your body and joints.

There are some common qualities that you should consider when purchasing a new yoga mat:

Traction

The traction of the mat you purchase can be very important no matter what type of yoga you practice. A mat which has some traction is important, but you also want to be comfortable when moving. The texture of the mat determines the traction and a rougher mat is better for those who are doing more standing, balancing and faster-paced yoga. They can be too rough for people looking for greater comfort.

The Thickness of the Mats

The thickness that might work best for you really depends on your body type and the kind of yoga you practice. A thicker mat is better for those of us that have back or joint pain. It is also typically preferred if you practice a more meditative style of yoga. The thickness, however, might make it harder to feel the floor. Therefore, it depends on your body type and what’s important to you.

Durability of the Mat

You always want a high-quality mat that will last a long time. While plastic mats do last a long time because they are made with a synthetic type of material, a high-quality more expensive mat is worth it in the long run. There are plenty of eco-friendly mats as well as other quality mats that can last you years.

Sticky vs. Slippery mats

A stickier mat is usually a better choice of yoga mat when you are practicing a more standing poses or flow style yoga. A sticky mat makes it easier to maintain correct alignment and move more safely when switching from posture to posture. When practicing yoga that causes you sweat, a sticky mat can prevent you from slipping. Most “workout mats” or “gym mat” are not good for yoga since they are too slippery and thick.

Eco-friendly mats

There are so many reasons to buy an eco-friendly mat, not only because they are better for the environment, but also because they’re not made with toxic materials that off gas nasty chemicals. The cheaper plastic mats are not as popular today as they were years ago because they have a negative impact on the environment as well as our bodies. The good news is that most companies sell a variety of eco-friendly yoga mats due to their popularity.

Your yoga mat is one of the most important purchases you will make when practicing yoga. The type of mat that suits you depends on your body type, yoga practice and whatever is relevant to your yoga style and comfort. As long as you feel comfortable and have the proper support, that’s really all that matters.