Don't settle for public property. A yoga mat should be personalized: like a toothbrush, chapstick, or a hairbrush.
Choosing a yoga mat: balancing quality material and cost
Do not skimp on a quality product - it absorbs sweat, and at the same time energy. Choose natural material. What about the price? Alas, the rule works here: the more natural, the more expensive.
To distinguish synthetics from natural materials, see the certificate. If there is one, then the rug definitely does not contain toxic substances.
How does a synthetic material differ from a quality one?
- Synthetics are short-lived - enough for several months. It will do for beginners, but for pumped yogis it is good to bet on natural material - it serves for years.
- Synthetic material does not hold its shape. After 5-7 sessions, the product becomes thin, wiped and stretched.
- Synthetics glide. Without reliable support, it is difficult to relax and open the chakras. The denser and rougher PVC gives good adhesion.
The best rug is made of rubber with the addition of jute or rubber. It:
- not electrified;
- does not slip;
- does not let the cold through from the floor;
- does not store smell.
Cotton or polyester mats (material feels like cotton) designed for Hatha Yoga. The best eco-friendly option for those who want to achieve a balance of energies.
From the budget option, products made of thermoplastic-elastomer are worthy of attention. They are lightweight, soft, retain their shape, do not fade in the sun and are resistant to frost. Service life: from 4 years.
Note: "How to pump up your ass so that Miley Cyrus is jealous"
For on-site meditation, PVC rugs are suitable - they perfectly tolerate the salty spray of waves, sun and sand. But from rubber, they are ideal for indoor activities.
Experienced yogis choose rugs with the addition of natural jute fibers. This accessory is heavy, but durable.
How thick should a yoga mat be?
The thicker, the more reliable. On a thick one, it is more convenient to put your elbow or knee on the floor. This kind of rug will keep the cold from the floor. This is especially important in shavasana and long-term meditations, when you need to focus not on external discomfort, but on internal processes.
The ideal thickness for a rug is 4.5-6 mm.
Attention: The standard width of the meditation mat is 60 cm. It will suit most Indian culture lovers. For those who have a large build, there are products with a width of 80 cm.
What should be a yoga mat - its optimal length?
- 183 cm is the most acceptable length;
- 200-220 cm - if you decide to choose for Ashtanga yoga, which involves a toss, buy exactly this length;
- 170-175 cm - suitable only for those whose height is less than 160 cm.
Advice: to decide whether the length is suitable or not, add 10 cm to your height. This will be optimal for you. If you choose the wrong length of the pad, your head or legs will be on the floor during the session.
Products must not be washed with soap or detergent. They are absorbed into the material and are difficult to rinse. The soap stays on and mingles with the sweat, causing a strong slip during exercise. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth or alcohol.
How to choose a yoga and fitness mat - what's the difference?
The yoga mat can be used for fitness purposes. And fitness for meditation is impossible.
Differences between products:
- The difference is the stickiness, which is so necessary in yoga. The skin adheres to the floor and the risk of any injury disappears. The same cannot be said about the fitness rug.
- The professional product is non-slip. Only with a stable position of arms and legs, relax and calmly enjoy the practice. Not worrying that you will go the other way with the rug. The same cannot be said about the fitness mat!
- Fitness rugs are smaller in length: there is a variety of ab mats - a small mat for rocking the press. A short model is not suitable for yoga: do not let your head or legs go beyond it.
Useful article: "Jumping rope: an alternative to the gym - cheap and cheerful"
Interesting information: The yoga mat differs from the tourist mat in that the second is made of synthetic materials and has a thermal insulation film. The main task of a tourist mat is to save from the cold, and for yoga it is important to protect the body from injury.
Watch the video on how to choose the perfect yoga rug for you
