Factors to Consider When Buying a Yoga Mat

If you are considering starting yoga, you need to know how to choose the right mat. Here are factors to consider when buying a yoga mat.

Nothing feels better than stretching and working out your body with a yoga session. The health benefits of yoga not only improve your body, but your mind as well.

Unfortunately, using the wrong yoga mat can put a strain on your joints or cause you to overexert yourself during the workout. With that in mind, there are a few factors you should consider when buying a new mat. Here are a few tips below:

1. Yoga Mat Material

The material of the yoga mat you choose determines its grip, weight, and durability. If you do yoga often, it could cause wear and tear on thin mats. Lots of mats are made from PVC, which is a plastic-based material that's sturdy and has a good floor grip.

It's latex-free, which is great for people who are allergic to latex. On the other hand, PVC isn't biodegradable, so it's not eco-friendly. However, there are natural/eco mats are available.

They're made with elements like organic cotton, jute, and natural rubber. Eco-friendly mats don't have as much grip on the floor, but they provide traction for the body. Another yoga mat material to choose is TPE.

Its a constructed blend of plastic and rubber polymers. They are more environmentally safe than PVC, and some are recyclable. Yet, TPE is less durable than PVC.

2. Yoga Mat Weight

If you practice yoga in your home, a heavy mat is fine to use. The benefit of a dense mat is that it stays in place and bends less while you work out. On the contrary, if you go to yoga class, a heavy mat is more difficult to carry. Most mats can range from two to seven pounds, depending on its thickness and other factors.

3. Yoga Mat Accessories

Speaking of carrying your mat, it may require accessories to pair with it. A sling or carrying case makes it easier to transport the mat to an outdoor workout and elsewhere. It's a good idea to find a mat that pairs well with accessories.

4. Yoga Mat Thickness

The thickness of the yoga mat that you select depends on various factors. Thin mats are better for stability when performing poses. If you decide to get a thin mat, pick one that has a textured pattern. That way it'll provide more cushion during focused poses.

Thicker mats are softer and offer therapeutic benefits for those who practice restorative yoga. Plus, thick mats are cushioned, making it more comfortable to get down on the knees and forearms. 

5. Yoga Mat Grip

If you sweat a lot or do hot yoga, a mat with good grip is essential. PVC mats are non-absorbent and become slippery when exposed to moisture. 

6. A Personalized Yoga Mat

When choosing a yoga mat, it's a good idea to consider a personalized mat. A custom mat gives you the option to put the features you desire into your mat. When you buy one from a retailer, the store may not have the yoga mat designs that you like.

A custom mat also allows you to stay of germs. Most yoga studios have public mats that all the class members can use. Although sanitizer is usually provided for cleaning, it's hard to determine how sanitary they are.

Having a personal mat provides a sense of comfort that you don't get from a shared mat.

7.  Storage

Yoga mats are best stored flat or hanging from a rack. However, if you don't have space for storage, you'll have to roll it up. Consider the durability of the mat material if this is the case for you.

If you have to roll your mat all the time, chose one that can withstand the strain of constant bending.

The Benefits of Yoga Mats

Yoga and yoga mats go hand and hand, and you really can't do one without the other. Imagine trying to do poses on the gym floor, ouch! Check out these yoga mat benefits:

Preserves Energy

Most yoga mats are made from a material that helps to preserve your energy. By preventing your body from touching the ground, it helps your body to ignite various parts and points of the life force.

The practice of yoga is based around using and storing energy so that it supplies the body. Life force is a yogic concept. When a person performs mudra, pranayama, and other activities, your life force circulates to several places.

But without a yoga mat, you could lose the energy you gain because it may flow down to the ground.

Provides Easier Movement

Standing on a cushioned yoga mat helps to take some of the pressure off your ankles, knees, and heels. Without a mat, it's difficult to do poses for a lengthy period. Most yoga poses last for about a minute, and without proper support, they can be painful.

Yoga Anywhere

Having a yoga mat allows you to do it whenever or wherever you want. You can go outside on your patio or take it to the park.

Without one, you have to wait for class, and that's no fun. Whenever you feel that yoga urge, you need the option to grab your mat and go!

Design a Yoga Mat You'll Love

The yoga mat that you choose plays a huge role in how much you enjoy your workout. The art of yoga is based on meditation, concentration, and centering yourself. But it's hard to focus on that if your mat is uncomfortable.

If you're looking for a yoga mat that suits your tastes, we've got you covered. We offer mats with cool designs and personalized mats that we know you'll love.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We look forward to helping you design the mat you've always wanted!