| Times are changing and Yoga is become very popular | | | | yoga mats is almost direct. |
| in the west. People are becoming more | | | | Once you are confident in determining your skill level |
| health-conscious, trying to save themselves from | | | | and your budget, it is time to pick your mat - Yoga |
| misery by engaging in various "green" and "organic" | | | | will never be the same (just kidding). |
| trends and activities. While most of these trends are | | | | Consider the following features of a good mat Yoga, |
| a passing fad (supplements, pills, powders, juices, | | | | and pick one that fits you best: |
| etc.) Yoga is a proven science, thousands years old, | | | | Material Best mats are made of natural, biodegradable |
| with an established lineage of experienced schools | | | | rubber (latex) or advanced polymers that are also |
| and teachers. Many people are taking up yoga | | | | earth friendly. I suggest natural rubber, if you don't |
| because it is safe, effective and does not require | | | | mind its smell, if you do - consider jute, earth-friendly |
| any significant effort, unlike pilates or more intensive | | | | polymers, or a mix of both. PVC mats are usually the |
| programs. Yoga works on the body as much as it | | | | cheapest, but they do offer pretty good stability, |
| does on the mind, and its subtle effects are felt | | | | grip and cu (more on these later). If you are buying a |
| immediately. | | | | PVC mat, it shouldn't cost you more than $20, unless |
| Before actively engaging in the practice of Yoga, | | | | if you are paying extra for the appearance. |
| consider investing into a good mat - Yoga's only | | | | Size Mats range in length (60-75") and width (20-24"), |
| required accessory that could make a significant | | | | and bigger mats are usually more comfortable. Keep |
| difference in your progress. A good mat will provide | | | | in mind that larger mats are heavier and bulkier, and |
| with additional support, stability and comfort and | | | | much more difficult to carry to class. Mat yoga is |
| make practice very enjoyable. On the contrary, a | | | | about balance, so the best idea is to have one large |
| less than adequate mat could turn your class into a | | | | mat for home practice, one light and thin mat (or a |
| nightmare. Read on to find out how to find that | | | | towel) for travel, and one regular mat (and bag) for |
| perfect mat - Yoga practitioner's best friend. | | | | carrying to class. |
| The following factors will play the most important | | | | Thickness Beginner students usually prepare thicker |
| roles in determining your needs: | | | | mats (around ¼"). Practicing on a thicker mat is |
| Your skill level Beginners are advised against investing | | | | easier at first, but once you get more advanced, too |
| into own yoga mats. Many people quit after only a | | | | much depth may become a distraction. Thickness is |
| few classes and throw their mats away eventually. A | | | | more of a personal preference that a requirement. |
| good mat could easily cost up to a $100 but will | | | | Most generic PVC studio mats are between 1/8" and |
| biodegrade rapidly because of its natural materials, a | | | | ¼". |
| cheaper PVC mat will take many years to | | | | Stickiness 99% of yoga mats fail to grip when |
| decompose. Think about how many people give up | | | | excessively wet. Keep this in mind, and don't complain |
| yoga and throw their mats away every year. That's | | | | when you start to slip and slide during your Hot yoga |
| not good mat yoga. | | | | practice, get a special yoga towel and cover your |
| If you are just getting started, use a mat provided | | | | mat with it. Premium mats handle wetness better, |
| by your studio - they are clean, decent and thick | | | | but they are not perfect. Test your mat's grip when |
| enough for everyone. Once you practice for a while | | | | dry. Ideally, a good mat should not be excessively |
| and begin to feel the effects, it may be time to | | | | sticky, as this will not help during position changes. |
| consider purchasing your own mat. | | | | Natural materials, like rubber and jute tend to have |
| Your budget Mat prices range from $10 to $100 | | | | superior grip, though cheaper PVC mats may work |
| depending on quality of the material. All-natural rubber | | | | just as well. |
| mats are usually more expensive, but offer superior | | | | If you want a quick answer The rule of thumb is the |
| durability, cushioning, and comfort. Cheaper, PVC and | | | | more you spend on your mat, the better it will be |
| PER (less harmful to the environment than PVC) | | | | and the longer it will last. |
| mats for yoga sometimes feature similar | | | | Look for the highest rated mats and you will |
| characteristics but cost a lot less. Generally, the more | | | | probably be just as satisfied as hundreds of other |
| advanced and dedicated you are, the more you | | | | users. |
| should spend on your mat, as the investment will pay | | | | Check my website for some good suggestion. |
| off in the future. The price-quality relationship with | | | | |