One thing about yoga is you can do it practically anywhere and at anytime. Having the right equipment can make the difference between a so-so yoga session and a great yoga session. The yoga mat is an important tool to help you practice safely and effectively.
Yoga mats provide balance, comfort and stability to enhance your yoga practice. A well chosen yoga mat will help to create a space to rest and relax. Finding the best yoga mat depends on the kind of yoga you practice and your present physical stature.
Quality Yoga Mats
A good yoga mat will have five important qualities: support, stability, portability, durability, and eco-friendly. These will ensure your yoga mat is the best for your well-being.
Stability
Your yoga mat should prevent sliding and slipping when you go through your postures. A sticky yoga mat will solve this problem and provide the stability you need. If you have a chance to test your yoga mat before buying, lie down or sit on your mat to see how comfortable it feels.
Support
A yoga mat should have enough padding to support you and be the correct thickness and length to support your body frame. The surface you practice on also determines the yoga mat you’ll need. Thicker yoga mats are better for such surfaces as wooden floors.
Portability
A yoga mat should be portable and easy to clean, as some yoga styles result in a lot of sweating. Considering a yoga mat which allows for easy cleaning is important. Portability is important in selecting a mat as well. Denser yoga mats might be more durable, but are also heavier to carry. If you do your yoga at home this isn’t a problem. If you attend classes then consider lighter yoga mats which are more portable and easily carried.
Durability
You want to have a yoga mat that is going to last more than a few yoga sessions, and here is where durability comes into play. Buy a yoga mat from a brand that is crafted well and will last for several years. Mats made of jute and/or rubber is recommended when durability is essential.
Eco-Friendly
Lastly, your yoga mat should be eco-friendly and made from a material such as cork, jute and natural rubber. Environment-friendly, recyclable and non-toxic yoga mats can be a little more money but they are worth it when it comes to the environment. If you do get an eco-friendly yoga mat, get one that is 99% latex free. Latex has been known to provoke an allergic reaction in some people. There are some companies that make a natural rubber yoga mat made with a proprietary formula that is 99% latex free. The are also a little more money but worth it.
Larry has a website that educates people on Premium Yoga Mats. He has been studying Yoga and Martial Arts for the past 20+ years. You can visit his site at: http://www.premiumyogamats.org
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