A quality yoga mat is something you’ll want whether you’ve been practicing for years or just begun. After all, your favorite pair of stretchy pants are useless if they let sweat soak through during and after your workout. Yoga students in particular may benefit from the various inexpensive options available to them.
The good news is that high-quality mats may be purchased, and some offer a reasonable price for a combination of desirable qualities such as durability, support, traction, and adaptability. This article will discuss how to choose the best yoga mat for your needs and preferences. Whatever your level of yoga expertise, we hope that the following information will help you find the best yoga mat.
What to look for when buying a yoga mat
When purchasing your yoga mat, keep in mind the following factors to ensure you get the best mat for your needs and budget.
- Durability – Yoga mats are frequently used and tossed around. This is especially true for those using yoga for physical fitness. If you’re frequently doing inverted poses or V-saws you should factor this into your decision.
- Grip – The mat’s grip is also crucial, however, a sticky mat isn’t always the greatest solution and can even be an obstacle. In yoga, you’ll learn to use your body weight as resistance and enhance your balance and flexibility. A grippy mat lets you exert effort safely.
- Ease of Cleaning – As you sweat and roll around on your mat, it is likely to become smelly as well as dirty. To practice yoga with complete self-assurance, it is important to keep your mat clean and odor-free. It will keep your mat from growing stale and grimy over time, extending its useful life.
Types of Yoga Mats
- Natural Rubber – Natural rubber is the most popular material used in yoga mats. The soft, natural rubber is odor-resistant, durable, and offers a good balance of flexibility and grip. It’s also relatively cheap, making it a good fit for students on a budget.
- Synthetic Rubber – Like natural rubber, synthetic rubber is a regular material used in yoga mats. However, it’s much more durable than natural rubber and can be used in areas with heavy use.
- Synthetic Plastic – Plastic is used in the construction of many yoga mats. While it doesn’t offer the same benefits as natural rubber or synthetic rubber, it does have the advantage of being lightweight and durable at the same time.
Choosing a Premium Yoga Mat
If you’re looking to invest in a premium yoga mat, you’ll need to be sure they meet certain criteria. For example, you’ll need to be certain that the mat offers the right combination of durability, support, traction, and elasticity. Fortunately, this is something that most premium yoga mats have in common.
- Durability – While all premium yoga mats are durable, you’ll need to look for options that are suited to your use. If heavy lifting is a common occurrence, you’ll want to factor this into your decision.
- Support – Support refers to the amount of cushion and absorption your mat offers but this will depend on the material used and how often you use it. Ideally, you’ll want to look for a mat that offers a good balance between support and cushion, while keeping the overall thickness low. This will make your mat more flexible and comfortable to use.
- Traction – Yoga is a physically demanding practice that requires a lot of traction. Fortunately, most premium yoga mats have excellent traction.
