Yoga is Healthy

Whether you are a beginning yoga pupil, a curious investigator or an advanced student having the proper yoga mat makes a difference. Just what constitutes the right mat can be fairly complicated depending on what you want to accomplish and what aspects of the mat you find important. Here are just a few things you might want to consider.

One of the most critical choices to make is how you will use the mat. Use involves more than simply the type of yoga you plan on trying or practicing. Should you have to drive or walk to class, the weight of the mat will count. Traveling to class will require that your mat be light enough and compact enough to carry.

Some classes use props and straps and those along with the mat can be cumbersome. A mat bag with room for props maybe another area to think about. Now weight becomes even more important. Mats can range in weigh from 2 to 10 pounds or more.

Weight is often determined by thickness and what materials have been used. The very light mats are often of man made materials. Thicknesses range from 3 to 5mm but can go above 8.5mm as well. The thinner mats roll more easily into a tubular shape that is easy to carry.

There are those who feel that thin mats are not as durable as thick ones. There are just as many who disagree. It may be that care of the mat is as important for long life as any other consideration. Reading and following the care instructions will be valuable.

The heavier the mats are often thicker and much more comfortable to use. If you are a beginner you might find holding a posture for more than 30 seconds or so to be uncomfortable. Thicker mats make long postures more agreeable.

Texture also has an impact on stability. Some types of yoga require solid footing or what is referred to as sticky mat. Hatha yoga uses sticky mats. Bikram or hot yoga will find a sticky mat uncomfortable. Talking with your instructor can clarify this issue.

There are manufacturers that are environmentally conscientious and have a zero waste policy. That may be important to you. Others use only natural materials like jute or natural rubber. Some make theirs from recycled or recyclable materials. And there are dozens of beautifully decorated woven mats and yoga rugs.

Mat size is another area where there is little consistency. They range in width from twenty two inches to more than thirty inches. Expect to find lengths for kids to basketball players. Normally they run from 60 to 80 inches. Add the many thicknesses to mix and it may seem like you need a mathematician to make a choice.

Indeed there are a great number of things to consider or that you can consider when choosing a yoga mat. Finding just the right balance and mix or environment, design, comfort and portability can be as complicated as some of the postures you will encounter.

Mandy Valentine is a yoga practitioner and the owner of a best yoga mats blog. She writes many yoga articles and yoga mat reviews such as Yogitoes yoga mat reviews, Manduka yoga mat reviews, Aurorae yoga mat reviews and many more.