In buying yoga mats, there are different things which you have to consider. That’s because they’re not created equally these days. You have to put some time in choosing one that suits your needs best. Of course the best one can provide the right support and assistance your body requires during a session.
But first things first: you should know how it’s different from a pilates mat. A pilates mat is generally thicker, to provide more cushioning. For instance, advanced pilates requires some body rolling, so the spine needs to have utmost protection. Likewise, it’s also less sticky compared to the other. But they’re basically of the same size and serve the same purposes.
An important thing to put into consideration is the material they’re crafted from. If you’re a beginner, it’s a wise move to momentarily go for something that’s affordable. As you advance, you may start to move on to a costlier and durable mat. When it comes to choosing, your budget is something to consider as well.
Of all the ones available these days, the most affordable are the standard ones that are sticky. Usually of PVC, these synthetic ones are readily available at most department stores. There are people who have just signed up for a session and immediately choose a costly mat. But after a session or two, they give up thinking it’s not the type of workout for them. And the mat is left to collect dust. That’s why it’s best for a beginner to go for an inexpensive one at first.
For individuals who like to use those out of natural materials, they usually got two choices. There are mats out of jute and cork. Compared to standard ones, they’re more expensive. But such price gives you good quality, feel and appearance. If you intend to work out about once a week, they’re recommendable. But more than that, they may get worn out easily. They’re porous, so sweat during sessions will be absorbed and contribute to their fast breaking down.
Many enthusiasts go for those which are made of rubber. They usually carry the same price tags as those cork or jute ones. However, they’re definitely more durable. There are those that are made from natural rubber, and there are others that are synthetically manufactured. If you’re allergic to latex, going for a rubber one is definitely not recommended. You should stick to others which don’t contain latex.
No matter the material it’s made of, cleaning regularly is essential. Those out of synthetic materials often may be cleaned using the washing machine. But it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions first. For those made out of natural materials, soaking them in soapy water is a great way to go. Hang them to completely dry prior to rolling.
Prior to actually buying one for yourself, it’s best if you can try some yoga mats provided by your health club. This way, you may experience how it’s like using them. You may even consult your instructor on which type is more recommendable, and where it can be bought.
Mandy Valentine owns the best yoga mat for her daily yoga practice. She knows how to choose the best yoga mat and writes about it in her blog, together with her yoga mat reviews and recommendations for the top rated brands and models of yoga mats.