Yoga Mats

Yoga mats are commonly used in gyms and yoga studios. There are a number of reasons why yoga mats are so popular.

The mat helps you define your personal space. This is especially useful when you are practicing in a group with a lot of people. Another good use of a yoga mat is the traction that it creates for your hands and feet. Yoga workouts can make you perspire, and as you get a little sweaty, there is a possibility of you slipping on the floor…especially if the floor is tiled. With a yoga mat, that possibility is eliminated.

In addition, a yoga mat helps to create a bit of cushioning on a hard floor. For example, if your session durations are long, sitting on a floor for hours at a time can be tedious. In some cases, it may even lead to health problems with back aches and the like. So, if you use a yoga mat, the problem of sitting on an uncomfortably hard floor goes away.

Most yoga studios have mats that they rent out. However, it is not always advantageous to use them. Since many people use the same ones, they tend to get smelly…it is not always possible to wash them every time after they are used, and it can pose a problem between those washings. To solve this problem, it is advisable for you to purchase your very own mat. They are not very expensive, and you can buy the type of mat which you would be most comfortable with. In addition, many studios allow you to store your mat with them if you become a regular.

Choosing a yoga mat…

There are several yoga mats available, that you can choose from. Given below are the different types.

Sticky Mats

These mats offer stability while doing your yoga poses, in addition to a covering. They come in a variety of colours, are thin and lightweight. Some even have guide marks on them to help you with proper hand and foot placements. They can be used for most types of yoga. However, before use, you need to sprinkle them with a small amount of water and air dry. This will prevent the mats from slipping and sliding on the floor.

Ultra Double Thickness Mats

These yoga mats are the same as sticky mats, except for the fact that they are ultra thick. Because of this, they provide both cushioning and stability…which can be useful in certain poses. It is especially useful for practitioners who often jump from one pose to another (example Astanga practitioners).

Travel Mats

If you are on the go, then this is the right mat for you. It is prefect for throwing into your suitcase or carryon luggage, and you can practise no matter where you are. Due to travel mats being very thin, you would need to use them on a carpeted floor. If the floor isn’t carpeted, spread a towel or blanket on it, and you’re all set.

Cotton Mats

Cotton mats are ideal for forms of yoga which produce extra body heat and cause you to sweat a lot (examples are Astanga or Bikram). They absorb sweat, and keep you from slipping and sliding. These, too, would be most effective if sprinkled with a small amount of water. Many cotton mats also have lines in the patterns, which helps you with your body alignment. They also provide cushioning and can be substituted for blankets by helping to bolster your body.

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