Every day more and more people begin to actively practice yoga. In order for your workouts to be not only useful, but also enjoyable, you need to choose the right yoga mat. The content of the article:
- Why do you need
- What are the types of mats
- How to choose
Probably every girl has at her disposal such a popular sports equipment as a yoga mat. It can be used not only for meditation and asanas, but also for active fitness activities.
It is important to choose the right mat, taking into account various factors - for example, the place of training, the level of difficulty and type of physical activity, etc. You can choose a type of mat that will fully meet all the criteria and will become additional motivation for exercising.
Why do you need a yoga mat?
Most beginners mistakenly believe that simple travel rugs, a towel, or blanket can be used for yoga practice. The fact is that only special sports equipment will make classes safe and as comfortable as possible. It is a good grip on any surface that prevents slipping during training and performing difficult asanas.
The mat, made of foam polymer, reduces pressure on the knee joints, while relaxing, you can avoid the fear of a cold floor.
What types of yoga mats are there?
Today there is a fairly large selection of various products belonging to this group of sports goods, which are conventionally divided into several categories - natural and synthetic. This division is due precisely to the materials used for the manufacture.
There are also differences in color, size and texture. Through trial and error, you can find the perfect option for yourself, and using additional information allows you to make the right choice the first time.
Synthetic rugs
This group includes products made of PVC, PES, TEP and synthetic rubber. The main distinguishing feature of synthetic rugs is the presence of a specific smell. However, over time, the unpleasant odor becomes less noticeable, but at the same time it never completely disappears.
Products made of PVC are not very durable and can tear right during training, while they are not recycled, therefore, they pollute the environment.
Products made of synthetic rubber are considered environmentally friendly and can also be recycled.
Natural rugs
Natural yoga mats include jute, cotton and rubber. Variants made of jute and rubber fibers provide the strongest adhesion to the floor surface, therefore, safety is ensured during the performance of difficult asanas. At the same time, cotton models are recommended to be used for meditation and relaxation. Natural rugs "breathe" well, do not absorb odors and moisture, however, they need special care.
How to choose a yoga mat?
In order to choose the right mat, which will become an indispensable assistant during yoga, it is necessary to take into account such important criteria as:
- the quality of adhesion to the floor surface or the degree of stickiness;
- the size of the rug;
- thickness;
- the degree of moisture absorption;
- product strength.
Only taking into account all these criteria can you choose a really perfect and high-quality yoga mat that will last a long time. It also allows for a safe, comfortable and most effective workout.
Yoga mat size
Standard models are 60–61 cm wide. This size is usually sufficient for those who regularly practice yoga. There are also mat options, which are 80 cm wide - these models provide significantly more comfort during training and provide more space. However, when choosing sports equipment, it is necessary to take into account the existing difficulties in storage, especially if its dimensions exceed standard ones.
The length of the rug directly depends on the height of the person and the type of activity. During training, a person should feel as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Grip quality
It is important to take into account the fact that the more intensive the classes are, the more emphasis should be placed on this particular point. In order not to get injured during training, you need to pay attention to the model of the mat with a high level of stickiness. It is necessary to emphasize that this parameter is fully proportional to the service life of the product, since the soft coating tends to wear out quickly.
Moisture absorption rate
If your palms sweat a lot during training, it is best to opt for rugs made of natural "breathable" materials. In this case, it is worth completely abandoning models made of synthetic materials, as they can provoke the production of sweat. If natural rugs are too expensive, you can purchase semi-synthetic inventory.
Product thickness
The advantages of these products include the fact that they are quite thin, compact and lightweight, but at the same time tough, therefore they do not retain heat well. The optimal thickness of the rugs is considered to be a parameter of 4, 5–6 mm. This is enough to ensure a comfortable workout and protection from cold floors.
If desired, a thicker yoga mat can be purchased, but it will be less stable, which can greatly interfere with the performance of balance poses. In cases where you need to constantly carry sports equipment with you, it is best to give preference to models of rugs with a thickness of 4 mm.
Product strength
It is important that sports equipment does not stretch, which is why there is a special frame mesh inside almost all yoga mats, which increases the life of the product and does not allow it to stretch too much.
You can choose lightweight models that do not have a frame. These products are not only lighter in weight, but also less stable, not as strong as with a frame mesh. Lightweight rugs are recommended for meditation and quiet practice.
Latex yoga mat
Models made of rubber or latex have the highest level of strength, non-toxic, wear-resistant, recyclable, and do not pollute the environment. The mat holds its shape well, is sticky, "breathes", perfectly repels water and is ideal for both fitness and yoga. For example, today you can find models on sale for which manufacturers give a lifetime warranty.
Cotton rug
Cotton or linen sports mats are usually used as a base or second mat because they are pleasant to the touch, soft and have poor adhesion. Cotton or linen is best used for meditation and not too much exercise.
Jute Yoga Mats
Jute rugs are semi-synthetic products. This model is based on natural fibers in combination with some synthetic compounds. As a rule, such rugs have good qualities - the surface is sticky, the product is durable, but at the same time it is not completely natural.
Thermoplastic elastomer mat
Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is a specific class of materials that is becoming a replacement for silicone, vulcanized plastic and rubber. These models of rugs are pleasant to the touch, quite soft and, as a rule, consist of two layers - the top layer is sticky, and the bottom layer consists of a reinforced mesh. It is the mesh that extends the life of the product. Depending on the specific model of the TPE yoga mat, they have different degrees of stickiness. The main disadvantage of the product is the presence of a not very pleasant synthetic smell.
PVC Yoga Mats
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a transparent and colorless plastic. Rugs made of this material have a relatively low cost. The product is quite sticky, pleasant to the touch, weighs in the range of 1–1, 5 kg (depending on thickness and dimensions).
These models of rugs can be used by beginner yoga practitioners who have not had time to decide whether they will continue to practice in the future or not. The disadvantage of such rugs is a rather harsh and unpleasant synthetic aroma. PVC mats are not subject to biodegradation; they emit carcinogenic harmful substances during combustion.
The quality of the classes depends on how correctly the choice of the yoga mat is made. Indeed, if during the first workout there is a strong feeling of discomfort or inconvenience, few people will want to continue training. A quality rug allows you to enjoy every activity, striving for a perfect body.
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