Whether it’s your first yoga mat or replacing the old one shopping for one could be overwhelming especially when there are so many options to go with. Selecting among the various materials, sizes, and widths can feel like a whirlwind of choices to make. This guide will cover each of these features and more and must make the decision process a bit simpler.
Be Mindful
We talking about yoga and the word mindfulness can’t be overlooked. First and foremost be mindful of who will be using this yoga mat. The yoga mat you choose should reflect your experience and commitment. Essentially, if you're novel to yoga you should be looking more at simple, entry-level yoga mats.
Material
The differences in material arrangements may seem understated initially, but they are impactful in the way you practice yoga. The yoga mat is your sanctuary and sphere, and you need to feel composed and at peace when your run-through. Do consider each of these options methodically before you seek out one specific type of material:
PVC
Most basic level mats are made of polyvinyl chloride, aka PVC. This material deals good toughness, gluiness, and ease. Despite its confirmed performance as a yoga mat material, PVC has received disapproval for not being ecologically outgoing.
Foam
Fundamentally the eco-friendly form of PVC mats, foam yoga mats proposal the same performance features, but without the damaging ecological side effects. The only limitation is that mats made of foam contain latex which can be problematic for some yogis with allergies.
Rubber
The additional prevalent choice among eco-responsive yoga mats, a rubber yoga mat is a solid substitute to a PVC mat. Like foam yoga mats, rubber mats cover latex. Those with reactions should look somewhere else.
Cotton
At times named “traditional yoga mats,” cotton yoga mats are thin and eco-responsive. They're also normally used on top of other yoga mats to offer the support cotton alone doesn't offer. Cotton grips sweat well and truly surges grip when wet.
Jute
Alike to cotton yoga mats, jute deals the same sustainability and resiliency as cotton yoga mats. Similar cotton mats, jute yoga mats are usually used for additional yoga mat to get outstanding traction and greater support. Though, jute is a more tough material which is a bit bumpier than cotton and grips less moisture.
Yoga Mat Thickness
While there are only three main mat widths, the differences among the three are quite noteworthy. If a yoga mat is too thin, certain postures may be tough on your knees and joints. If a yoga mat is way too thick, it will be trying to continue your balance and hold a pose. Take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each thickness:
1/4″ thickness: Usually, the heaviest a mat will be is 1/4″. Higher-end, premium mats will characteristically be 1/4″ dense to offer the best ease and support. With more cushioning, though, the additional mass will make the mat less movable and harder to fit in normal yoga bags.
1/8″ thickness: This is the most usually used thickness and it's a perfect mixture of performance and transferability. If you run-through often, you must look into 1/8″ mats since they offer sufficient suppressing for your knees, but are light and thin enough to carry to and from the studio each day.
1/16″ thickness: If you're continually on-the-go, you must look to 1/16″ mats as the ultra-movable solution. Half as thick as a normal mat, 1/16″ yoga mats will fit in any yoga mat bag with room to standby. Aside from movability, thin mats like these let you get a better feel for the floor. This is certainly an outstanding option if you prefer the usual feel of moving the ground.
Size
A standard yoga mat is 24″ x 68″, but the length can at times vary (the width will almost always remain 24″). 72″ and 74″ are typical another lengths, nevertheless, some yoga mats are as long as 84″. Though most yogis will fit on a standard-sized mat, taller yogis will need to experiment a little. Begin by trying to do a downward-facing dog pose on a standard yoga mat. As long as your hands and feet are firmly on the mat, then the length is adequate.
Stickiness
Gluiness is a quantity of how well your skin twigs to the mat. It's not a tacky, slushy feeling, but rather a suction-like gluiness that aids you hold your pose and maintains proper arrangement. PVC and foam mats have the uppermost stickiness factor, though rubber has a reasonable amount. Be cautioned, though, that PVC and foam mats are only tacky when clean. Cotton and jute yoga mats have nearly no stickiness.
Texture
Similar to gluiness, a yoga mat's consistency also aids you to uphold balance and proper alignment. While stickiness delivers grip via suction, texture means a really varied surface (like the difference between asphalt and glass) to avert sliding and gliding. Without adequate grip and grip, you'll slide during postures and risk wound. From entirely smooth PVC mats to rough jute mats, there's a texture out there that will suit your requirements.
To prevent sliding, avoid PVC mats, and look for rubber, cotton, or jute yoga mats. The additional grip from the raised surfaces of these types of mats will help keep your poses safe no matter how sticky you get. For evenness and extra ease, PVC and foam mats are your best stakes. Just understand that these mats may not offer satisfactory grasp when wet.
Sustainability
Your stand on sustainability may finally regulate what type of mat you select, but it's helpful to make an informed conclusion. On one hand, you have PVC yoga mats which can cover materials detrimental to the atmosphere. On the flip side, you'll find a collection of natural and reprocessed rubber, organic cotton, and jute. PVC is not recyclable and expensive to reprocess. Temporarily rubber, jute, and cotton yoga mats will all break down should they ever find their way into a landfill.
Price
Money is always a complex topic to hold, but you must apparently try to get good value out of your yoga mat. For the most part, drifting away from plain, standard-sized PVC yoga mats is going to cost a little extra than regular ones.
Material and thickness should be decisive factors since they will directly affect how you practice yoga. After that, any additional features like antimicrobial treatments or interesting patterns/designs are a matter of personal taste. As briefly mentioned before, stick to a mat that matches your level of dedication and experience. If you're a new yogi, you may want to be a little more conservative as you figure out what types of yoga you enjoy.
Types of Yoga
The last but not the least factor in aiding you to decide the right yoga mat is the type of yoga you plan on performing. Again, if you're new in the world of yoga, you won't yet know what type of yoga you really enjoy. Though, if you already have some favorites, they should play a substantial role in helping you control your next yoga mat.
Since in a modern day world of yoga there are so many names that have come up depicting the different style, it's best to keep it simple. Generally, textured mats are perfect for more active types of yoga — like power yoga — since of all the bending, sliding, and stretching. All your perspiration would make it difficult for PVC and foam mats to stay gluey. For lower-intensity yoga — such as healing yoga — comfort may be a higher precedence as you'll be lying down for long periods of time. In this case, PVC or foam yoga mats would work well to deliver satisfactory ease and maintenance.
Best Yoga Mat in India
Iris Yoga mat is one the best yoga mat for beginners for several reasons. Take your yoga asana experience to the next level with Iris Yoga mat. It is compact, lightweight and helps you perform asana in the most comfortable manner. This mat is extra comfy, cost-effective, and durable and lasts longer than other regular mats. It offers extra cushioning provided by ¼ inch thick PVC foam.
Why we recommend it
*Super absorbent material that will stay dry, Non-Slip PVC Yoga Mat
*Latex-free for those with latex allergies, Pretty lightweight
*Extra Long 68”, Weighs Almost 2 Lbs, last longer than most standard foam mats
*Available in multiple varieties of Colors that are strong and vivacious
Strauss Yoga Mat is, by far, the best yoga mat for practitioners who are above average in size and height. It offers a little extra support for your joints, easy to maintain and clean. And, it is ideal for yogis with latex allergies. It also provides nonslip constancy during yoga or workout.
Why we recommend it
*6mm thick anti-skid yoga mat is perfect for yoga workout and other floor exercises
*It offers padding and support which aids you to achieve the posture easily
*Easy to roll up and washable
*Non-slip bottom provides constancy during yoga or workout
*Textured patterned foam material
There’s a lot to adore about the Paffy Yoga Mat. It easily absorbs moisture to prevent you from slipping which makes it the best yoga mat for any type of yoga. Even at your stickiest, you’ll still get an eccentric grip so you can center on your pose in its place of worrying about dropping.
Why we recommend it
*6mm thick anti-skid yoga mat with Cover
*It offers padding and support which helps you perform the posture comfortably
*It’s easy to roll up and washable
*Non-slip bottom provides constancy during yoga or workout
*Textured patterned foam material
This is, by far, the best yoga mat for guys and gals who are above average in size and height. Take your passion for yoga to next level. It’s slip-resistant from surface levels, provides extra support for your knees and is made from 100% natural rubber.
Why we recommend it
*Ideal for Yoga, Pilates, Stretching and Toning Workouts.
*6 Feet x 2 Feet. Extra Long & Extra Wide to suit all body types.
*10 mm Extra-thick yoga mat for comfortable, moderating support.
*Textured surface on one side with an even surface on the other; non-slip surface grips the floor to prevent damages
*Made of lightweight, durable foam which lasts longer than other mats. Free Carry Strap incorporated.
The True Mat Reversible TPE Yoga Mat is one of the best-selling yoga mats available on the market. It provides solid grasp without absorbing sweat. The bottom later is thicker and provides extra comfort and cushioning as it is made with open-cell in making. This yoga mat is lengthier, broader, and heavier than many others on the market.
Why we recommend it
*Eco-friendly, Very durable, excellent support/cushioning for your knees
*The alignment system, very grippy even when practicing hot yoga, 6 mm in thickness with high density cushioning for extra joint protection.
*Anti-Slip Surface: Make sure maximum grip along with comfort
*100% TPE. Contains zero, PVC, no latex. It is safe for pregnant women as well
*Extra Long & Extra-Wide: 6 Feet X 2 Feet (183 X 61 Cm). Specially designed for tall people
Personal Recommendation
I hope with the post above now it’s easy for you to choose Yoga Mat for your home space and still if you’re confused or looking for the second opinion then go with Strauss Yoga Mat. It has 3.8 -star ratings on the Amazon and all great features that make the product a total value for money. Mark our words you'll not regret buying this Yoga Mat ever. This unique part of this model it comes with ultimate safety features which are good for user’s safety. Like we said, when it comes to our safety we want nothing but the best and Strauss Yoga Mat is the best.
Conclusion
If you take away anything from this guide, we would suggest you to listen to your body. The more you feel good and comfortable on your mat nothing else matters. Buying a yoga mat nowhere means you have to find the most expensive one but to find one that can help you practice safely and properly.