Tips to Get The Best And The Quality Of The Yoga Mats

Let’s face it; a yoga mat is an important part of your practice. Without the right one, you can be in for all sorts of injuries, especially if you are doing power yoga or hot yoga.

If you have never bought a yoga mat before, there are many things that you need to know about them. They come in various shapes, sizes and materials and you should be able to make sure that you buy the best one for your needs. Here are some tips on how to pick the perfect yoga mat for your needs.

Size

The first thing to consider when buying a yoga mat is its size. It is not only important that the mat fits well with your body type but also that you get the correct thickness. As far as thickness goes, you can go from thin mats up to thick ones, and they will suit any kind of yoga practice. The most common thicknesses are 4 mm, 8mm and 10mm. If you want to do more advanced poses, you should go for thicker mats.

Thicker mats are heavier, which means that they will take longer to dry out. That being said, they offer better support and protection against sweat and other substances. So, if you are going to do hot yoga, you should definitely look into getting a thicker mat. On the flip side, thinner mats tend to absorb water easier than thicker ones and they don’t provide enough support for your muscles. Thus, they are good for beginners and less intense classes such as Yin, restorative and gentle yoga.

Shape

Yoga mats come in different shapes. You can find square mats that give greater stability to your body because of their width. They are great for power yoga and hot yoga since they allow you to move around easily. However, they may be too bulky for people who need stability during their yoga sessions. For this reason, round mats are preferred by those who do Hatha, restorative or slow yoga practices. They also provide more support for your joints and back pain. Therefore, round mats are considered by many as the best choice for those who are just starting out with yoga.

When choosing between a square and a round mat, the shape has very little to do with the price. In fact, the cheaper the mat is, the more likely it is to be a square one. However, if you are looking for a good quality and durable mat, you should always go for a round one. This way, you will have no problems using it over time.

Texture

The texture of your yoga mat plays a vital role in how comfortable it feels while practicing yoga. There are two types of textures: soft and hard. Soft textures are made of natural fibers and are considered as the best choice for those who practice yoga often. These are usually made with organic cotton and bamboo, so they are eco-friendly. Since these are made with natural fibers, they tend to breathe and dry quicker. Also, they are much softer and more breathable than hard mats.

On the other hand, hard mats are made of synthetic fibers and tend to last longer. They are easy to clean and easy to maintain. However, they are also harder to use and they don’t breathe as quickly as soft mats. Hard mats are ideal for those who practice yoga occasionally and prefer to keep their clothes cleaner. So, if you are concerned about having sweaty clothes after a session, then a hard mat might be the best option for you.

Material

There are many different kinds of materials used to produce yoga mats. Some of the most popular include wood, rubber, latex, vinyl and foam. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, making each one a must-have depending on your personal preferences. Wood is one of the most popular choices due to the fact that it is natural and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. It is also cheap and easy to find at any store. However, it is quite rough on your skin and it can scratch easily. Rubber is another favorite among yoga enthusiasts since it provides excellent support and allows you to bend comfortably. Vinyl is a nice alternative to wood and rubber since it is soft and doesn’t require much maintenance. Foam is considered as the least expensive choice since it isn’t made of natural fibers and won’t last long. It is also light and can be folded, making it ideal for travel. In short, yoga mats come in various materials and you should be able to find one that suits your budget and needs perfectly.

The material of the yoga mats also matters for the people. A person can go for the rutschfeste yogamatte as they are the comfortable option for the people. A person can plan to go for the high quality of the option. In the long run the option will prove to be a good one. The main matter of concern is to choose high quality of products

Price

As mentioned earlier, there are many factors that influence what type of yoga mat you should buy. One of them is the price. It shouldn’t surprise you that the higher the price, the better the quality of the mat will be. However, the price of a yoga mat does not necessarily mean anything else.

You should always check the durability of the mat before spending money on it. The best way to do this is to test it out for yourself. Simply roll it on the floor and see how easy it is to fold and unfold without breaking. Make sure you test both sides of the mat as they should feel the same.

Also, pay attention to where you purchase your mat from. While it might seem obvious, a lot of stores sell fake yoga mats. Many people are tempted into buying a cheap yoga mat thinking that it will be the best one for their needs. However, this is rarely the case. Always check the label and ask customers reviews to make sure that you aren’t purchasing a fake one.

Final thoughts

Now that you are armed with all the knowledge you need to choose the best yoga mat for you, you should be ready to reap all the benefits that yoga has to offer. If you are still struggling to decide, here are some tips on choosing the right one for you.

Written by 

Christine Reay is a veteran journalist from Chicago. She works for ANR Miami as the Head of Editorial Content.